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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On June 21, 2006, a 75-year-old contractor electrician, with 50 years experience, was fatally injured at a sand and gravel operation. The victim contacted energized conductors while installing an electrical circuit. The building subsequently caught fire and burned before the primary circuit could be deenergized.

Photo of Accident Scene Describe in the paragraph above.

Best Practices
Before YOU perform electrical work:
  • Positively determine which circuit is to be worked on and identify the disconnecting device.
  • De-energize power from the circuit and place YOUR lock on the switch.
  • Utilize proper Personal Protective Equipment, including rated electrical gloves.
  • 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 15th fatality reported in calendar year 2006 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2005, there were 15 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 3rd Electrical fatality in 2006. There were two Electrical fatalities in the same period in 2005.

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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