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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On September 14, 2007, a 46 year-old contractor assistant electrical superintendent with 20 years experience was injured at a surface copper operation. The victim was checking a 4160 VAC switch gear, contacted an energized component, and received an electrical shock. He was hospitalized and later transferred to an extended care facility where he died on July 7, 2008.

Photo Showing Accident Scene Described in Paragraph Above

Best Practices


Before YOU perform electrical work:
  • Positively identify the circuit on which work is to be conducted and the corresponding disconnecting device.
  • De-energize power from the circuit and place YOUR lock and tag on the switch.
  • Ground all phase conductors to the equipment grounding medium with grounding equipment that is properly rated.
  • Verify that the circuit is de-energized by testing the circuit for voltage using properly rated test equipment.
  • Utilize properly rated Personal Protective Equipment including Arc Flash Protection such as a hood, gloves, shirt, and pants.
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 33rd fatality reported in calendar year 2007 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2006, there were 26 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the first Electrical fatality in 2007. There were 5 Electrical fatalities in the same period in 2006.

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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