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March 22, 2022 Fatality - Fatality Alert

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Accident Report: Fatality Reference

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MINE FATALITY – On March 22, 2022, a 44 year-old heavy equipment operator drowned after the floating pump station he was standing on capsized.  At the time of the accident, the miner was assisting a co-worker in connecting a water discharge line.

Accident scene where a 44 year-old heavy equipment operator drowned after the floating pump station he was standing on capsized.

Best Practices

  • Design and use floating platforms in a manner that complies with the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations.
  • Before working on a floating platform:
    • implement safe work procedures that take into account potential hazards from rain, ice, freezing temperatures, and other environmental conditions.
    • perform adequate work place examinations, especially on floating platforms that are infrequently used.  Check parts that are subject to rust, sun damage, water damage, etc. over long periods of time.
  • Wear life jackets where there is danger from falling into water.

Additional Information

This is the twelfth fatality reported in 2022, and the first classified as “Drowning.”