# Fractures at MERCER WELL SERVICE
> OSHA SIR `20161211382` · 12/6/2016 · MENTONE, TEXAS
## Severity
- **1 hospitalization**
- **Body part:** Lumbar region
- **Nature of injury:** Fractures
## Cause
- **Event:** Struck by dislodged flying object, particle
- **Source:** Parts and materials, n.e.c.
- **Secondary source:** Oil drilling rigs and machinery
## Employer
- **Name:** MERCER WELL SERVICE
- **Location:** Shell E&P Anna K44-1, MENTONE, TEXAS, 79754
- **NAICS:** 213111
- **Jurisdiction:** 1
## Narrative

An employee was unscrewing lock pins from a wellhead to remove a tubing hanger when an L-80 joint of tubing and hanger was ejected from the frac valve due to the pressure-to-weight differential. The tubing and hanger struck the employee's back, fracturing the L1 vertebra.

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*Source: [OSHA Severe Injury Reports](https://www.osha.gov/severe-injury-reports) · MORVS · CC0 1.0*