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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On May 23, 2005, a 48 year-old electrical foreman, with 15 years mining experience, was fatally injured on the surface of an underground gold operation. The victim was working near an energized high voltage conductor when apparently an arc flash occurred.

Photo of Accident Scene

Best Practices

Before YOU work on an electrical circuit:
  • Positively determine which circuit is to be worked on.
  • Identify the disconnecting device and de-energize power from the circuit.
  • Utilize proper PPE including high voltage gloves.
  • Lock out and tag out the circuit with YOUR lock.
  • Test the circuit for voltage using properly rated test equipment.
  • Ground all phase conductors to the equipment grounding conductor with a jumper.
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 12th fatality reported in calendar year 2005 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2004, there were 8 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 2nd fatality classified as Electrical in 2005. There were no Electrical fatalities during the same period in 2004.

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



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