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Fatality Alert - Fatality #15 - July 21, 2014

Accident Report: Fatality Reference

PDF Version

fab14m15.pdf (127.73 KB)

METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On July 21, 2014, a 28-year-old assistant plant manager with 11 years of mining experience was killed at a sand and gravel dredge operation.  He was riding in an aluminum boat that became stuck in low water on top of 480 volt energized power conductors.  The victim was electrocuted when he exited the boat, attempting to pull slack on the power conductors.

The site of the fatal accident

Best Practices

  • Establish and discuss safe work procedures before beginning work. Identify and control all hazards associated with the work to be performed and use methods to properly protect persons.  
  • Train all persons to understand the hazards associated with working near energized electrical conductors.
  • De-energize power and ensure that the circuit is visibly open before working near energized conductors that may have damaged insulation.
  • Lock and Tag! Place YOUR lock and tag on the disconnecting device.
  • Use properly rated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including Arc Flash Protection such as a hood, gloves, shirt, and pants.
  • Ensure electrical conductors are properly rated and designed for the applications used.
  • Ensure that ground fault protection is provided to protect persons
  • Ensure that all electrical systems are safely designed and properly installed.

Additional Information

This is the 15th fatality reported in calendar year 2014 in metal and nonmetal mining.  As of this date in 2013, there were 9 fatalities reported in metal and nonmetal mining.  This is the 1st Electrical fatality in 2014.  There were 0 Electrical fatalities in the same period in 2013.