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August 27, 2019 Fatality - Fatality Alert

Lapse in Appropriations

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Accident Report: Fatality Reference

MINE FATALITY – A miner was splitting and sorting rock in a quarry when lightning was observed in the distance. The miner was seeking shelter when he was struck by lightning.

scene of accident where the victim was recovered

Best Practices

  1. Train miners to take action after hearing thunder, seeing lightning, or perceiving any other warning signs of approaching thunderstorms.
  2. Use the established emergency communications system to provide miners with warnings when lightning is in the area.
  3. Identify locations for substantially built safe lightning shelters.
  4. Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.

Additional Information

This is the 27th fatality reported in 2019, and the first fatality classified as “Other (Lightning Strike).”