METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY -On October 20, 1999, a 29-year-old electrician with 5 years mining experience was fatally injured at a phosphate operation. The victim was connecting phase conductors in the electrical distribution panel when a co-worker inadvertently engaged the disconnect switch for the circuit resulting in a fatal electrical shock. The electrical disconnect switch had not been locked out nor had a warning sign been attached to it prior to work commencing on the circuit.
Best Practices
Power switches should be locked out and signed warning notices should be posted at the switch by the individuals performing work prior to work commencing.
Areas containing electrical installations should be entered only by authorized persons.
This is the 42nd fatality reported in calendar year 1999 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1998, there were 45 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the third fatality classified as Electrical in 1999. There was one Electrical fatality in the same period in 1998.
For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report