coalmshafatality

Mining Machine Operator Fatally Electrocuted

March 23, 2018
The worker had 21 years of mining experience.

A 38-year-old highwall mining machine operator is the second fatality in the coal mining industry of 2018.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) released a brief report detailing the circumstances that led to the worker’s death.

On Wednesday, Feb. 21, the operator, who had 21 years of experience in the mining industry, was performing electrical work on a system that supplies power to a mining machine. At some point, he came into contact with a 7,200 volt energized circuit and was electrocuted to death.

MSHA recommended workers perform the following steps before performing electrical work:

  1. Locate the circuit breaker or load break switch away from the enclosure and open it to de-energize the incoming power cable(s) or conductors.
  2. Locate the visual disconnect away from the enclosure and open it to provide visual evidence that the incoming power cable(s) or conductors have been de-energized.
  3. Lock-out and tag-out the visual disconnect.
  4. Ground the de-energized conductors.

After an investigation, the agency also released these best practices to prevent similar incidents from occurring:

  • Lock-out and tag out the electrical circuit yourself and NEVER rely on others to do this for you.
  • Wear properly-rated and well-maintained electrical gloves when troubleshooting or testing energized circuits. After the electrical problem has been found, follow the proper steps before performing electrical work.
  • Use properly-rated electrical meters and non-contact voltage testers to ensure electrical circuits have been de-energized.
  • Install warning labels on line side terminals of circuit breakers and switches stating that the terminal lugs remain energized when the circuit breaker or switch is open.
  • Electrical work must be performed by a qualified electrician or someone trained to do electrical work under the direct supervision of a qualified electrician. 
About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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