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COAL MINE FATALITY - On Tuesday, May 21, 2002, a 50-year-old electrician with 30 years of experience, was fatally injured in an electrical accident. The victim was working on a 480 VAC distribution box that supplied power to a section battery charging station. Apparently, the victim came in contact with an energized bus bar located inside the distribution box.

Diagram of Accident Scene

Best Practices

  • De-energize, lock and tag before doing electrical work, unless testing or troubleshooting
  • Insure that all electrical circuits and circuit breakers are properly identified before troubleshooting or performing electrical work
  • Insure that electrical work is preformed by qualified electricians or properly trained persons under the direct supervision of a qualified electrician
  • Wear proper protective gloves to prevent injuries when electrical troubleshooting activities are being conducted
    • More Information E-mail Suggestion for Accident Prevention Program Submit your own suggestion for a remedy to prevent this type of accident in the future.
    Please specify if you wish your submission to be anonymous or whether your name may be used. Please include the year of the fatality and the fatality number.

    This is the 13th fatal accident reported in calendar year 2002 for the coal mining industry. As of this date in 2001, there were seven fatal accidents reported for the coal mining industry. This is the third fatal accident classified as an "Electrical" accident in 2002. At this time in 2001, there was one fatal classified as "Electrical" for the coal mining industry.


    The information provided in this notice is based on preliminary data ONLY and does not represent final determinations regarding the nature of the incident or conclusions regarding the cause of the fatality.



    For more information:
    Fatal Alert Bulletin Icon MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report