MSHA - Fatalgrams For the Metal/Nonmetal Mine Accident on April 7, 2009

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METAL/NONMETAL MINE FATALITY - On April 7, 2009, a 36 - year old supervisor with 15 years of experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel dredging operation. The victim was attempting to connect the 4160 volt cable for the dredge to load side terminals in the electrical panel when he came into contact with energized 4160 volt line side terminals.

Photo of Accident Scene Described in the Paragraph Above

Best Practices

Before YOU perform electrical work:

Be trained and knowledgeable in the task.
Be trained on all the electrical test and safety equipment necessary to safely test and ground the circuit being worked on.
Use properly rated Personal Protective Equipment including Arc Flash Protection such as a hood, gloves, shirt, and pants.
Positively identify the circuit on which work is to be conducted.
De-energize power and ensure that the circuit is visibly open.
Place YOUR lock and tag on the disconnecting device.
Verify the circuit is de-energized by testing for voltage using properly rated test equipment.
Ensure all electrical components in the cabinet are de-energized.
Ground ALL phase conductors to the equipment grounding medium with grounding equipment that is properly rated.

	Submit your own suggestion for a remedy to prevent this type of accident in the future. Please specify if you wish your submission to be anonymous or whether your name may be used. Please include the year of the fatality and the fatality number.

This is the 4^th fatality reported in calendar year 2009 in the metal and nonmetal mining industries. As of this date in 2008, there were 5 fatalities reported in these industries. This is the 1^st Electrical fatality in 2009. There were no Electrical fatalities in the same period in 2008.

The information provided in this notice is based on preliminary data ONLY and does not represent final determinations regarding the nature of the incident or conclusions regarding the cause of the fatality.

For more information:

MSHA's Fatal Accident Investigation Report - Not Available Yet


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