METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On August 28, 1998, a 53-year-old superintendent with 35 years mining experience was electrocuted at an underground mine. Initially the cable for a shuttle car was on the mine floor in puddled water, which caused the circuit breaker to trip. After hanging the cable along the rib and resetting the breaker, he began to check the energized cable. He came in contact with a damaged spot and was electrocuted.

• Ground faults should be repaired prior to energizing equipment or wiring.

• Cable damage should be corrected immediately.

• Insulated gloves should be used when handling energized cables.

• Power cables should be protected from damage.

This is the 38th fatality reported in calendar year 1998 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 1997, there were 47 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the first fatality classified as Electrical in 1998. There were five electrical fatalities in the same period in 1997. (Please note the 1997 final fatality count was changed from 60 to 61 after the close of the calendar year).

For more information:
MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report