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This posting serves to provide a public notice to employees of the mine, employees of the mining company(s), employees of independent contractors with any connection to the mine, persons with any connection to the mine, and any person with information regarding the cause or contributing factors of this accident. Please provide any information to:
Mathew Johnson, Lead Investigator:
Phone: 1-707-447--9844
Two drillers were preparing to lower the mast on a surface bench drill to stow it before moving. The victim placed a j-wrench on the hammer bit to remove it and the drill turned, pinning the victim's right leg between the j-wrench and the mast. The other driller reversed the rotation, freeing the victim. Medics transported the victim to the site clinic, but he succumbed to his injuries.
The information provided in this notice is based on preliminary data ONLY and does not represent final determination regarding the nature of the incident or conclusions regarding the cause of the accident.
MINE FATALITY – On Jan. 16, 2021, a miner was fatally injured while using a tool to remove a down-the-hole hammer. The drill motor turned unexpectedly, pinning the driller’s leg between the tool and the drill mast.
FAI-6828311-1
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
REPORT OF INVESTIGATION
Surface
(Lead-Zinc Ore)
Fatal Machinery Accident
January 16, 2021
Red Dog Operations
Teck Alaska Incorporated
Kotzebue, Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska
ID No. 50-01545
Accident Investigators
Mathew S. Johnson
