Accident Report: Fatality Reference
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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY – On July 14, 2017, a part time mine employee was moving irrigation pipe by hand and was electrocuted when the pipe came in contact with high voltage transmission lines overhead.

Best Practices
- Before work begins, conduct a hazard assessment and examine the work area to identify and correct hazards and ensure safe distances to overhead power lines.
- Contact the electrical utility to determine the operating voltage of the line and confirm the safe limits of approach distances.
- Do not use electrically conductive tools or materials in situations where they may contact overhead power lines.
Additional Information
This is the 5th fatality reported in calendar year 2017 in metal and nonmetal mining. As of this date in 2016, there were 9 fatalities reported in metal and nonmetal mining. This is the 1st Electrical fatality in 2017. There was one Electrical fatal in the same period in 2016.