Welder (Shop)

An employee, assisting with shovel maintenance, entered the man lift at the shovel house level to descend and retrieve a needed part. After entering the man lift, the support arm broke, causing the basket and employee to fall to the ground. An investigation is ongoing. Amendment: Employee passed away 6/27/19.

Texto original en inglés de la MSHA

Sam Galaz, a 57-year-old welder with 27 years of total mining experience, died on June 27, 2019, after succumbing to the injuries he suffered as a result of an accident that occurred on June 15, 2018. The victim was descending from an electric shovel using an electrohydraulic lift, when the upper arm of the lift broke resulting in a fall of approximately 15 feet. The accident occurred because fatigue cracking or progressive fracturing in the upper arm of the aerial lift went undetected for approximately a year. Improper operation of the lift increased the potential for crack growth. As stated in the manufacturer’s operating manual, not engaging the lock assembly when entering and exiting the lift or during rotation of the electric shovel can cause unnecessary repetitive loading on the lift arm.

1. The lab test results indicated that fatigue cracks existed for approximately a year. Improper operation of the lift increased the potential for crack growth. Specifically, not engaging the lock assembly in place when entering and exiting the lift or during rotation of the electric shovel caused unnecessary repetitive loading on the lift arm.

   Acción correctiva: The mine operator replaced the lift with Airstair articulated steps for equipment access.

2. The mine operator did not provide adequate task training for the lift on the electric shovel. The mine operator did not provide training in the safe work procedures for operating the lift.

   Acción correctiva: The mine operator replaced the lift with Airstair articulated steps for equipment access and trained all miners in its proper and safe use.

Hallazgos del informe final de investigación de la MSHA, que sustituye la narrativa preliminar anterior.

Actividad al momento del incidente

Surface Equipment, Nec

Subunidad / ubicación

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Tipo de accidente

Caída desde una máquina

Fuente de la lesión

GROUND

Naturaleza de la lesión

MULTIPLE INJURIES

Parte del cuerpo afectada

HEAD, MULTIPLE PARTS

Experiencia minera total

27 years

Experiencia en esta mina

27 years

Experiencia en este puesto

6 years

Grado de la lesión

FATALITY