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February 29, 2020 Fatality - Fatatlity Alert

Lapse in Appropriations

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Accident Report: Fatality Reference

MINE FATALITY – On February 29, 2020, a plant foreman was priming the main suction pump on a dredge when a two-inch coupling on the waterjet pipe failed, knocking the victim into the water. Divers retrieved his body several hours later. The victim was not wearing a life preserver.

February 29, 2020 fatality accident scene

Best Practices

  • Wear a life preserver where there is a risk of falling into the water.
  • Identify all possible hazards and ensure appropriate controls are in place to protect miners before beginning work.
  • Provide swimming training for everyone that works around water.

Additional Information

This is the 5th fatality reported in 2020, and the first classified as “Machinery.”