METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On September 7, 1999, a 27-year-old electrician (contractor operator) was fatally injured at a crushed stone operation. The victim, along with coworkers, was stringing a new inactive power line along a route of poles containing energized high voltage power lines. The active and inactive lines were separated by approximately five feet, however, the inactive line became energized, possibly through incidental contact or arcing, shocking the victim with an estimated 40,000 volts.
This is the 33nd fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1998, there were 40 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 2nd fatality classified as Electrical in 1999. There was one Electrical fatality in the same period in 1998.Persons should carefully plan safe work practices prior to performing tasks
Inactive power lines, tools and equipment must be kept a safe distance away from active power lines
Extreme caution must be exercised when working around high voltage power lines
For more information:
MSHA's Fatal
Accident Investigation Report
