METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On July 11, 1997, a mechanic with 9 years of mining experience was fatally injured at an underground limestone mine. The victim had installed a new motor starter on a 480-volt high-pressure washer used to clean equipment in the maintenance yard. He connected one of the phase wires to the case of the washer. After turning on the power, he picked up the hand-held wand and was electrocuted. This is the 37th fatality reported in calendar year 1997 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1996, there were 28 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 4th fatality classified as electrical in 1997. There was one electrical fatality during the same period in 1996. For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report [FTL97M37]