Driller

Employee was electrocuted by transformer power.

Texto original en inglés de la MSHA

On Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at approximately 5:15 p.m., James A. Whitlock, a 38-year old Highwall Mining Machine Operator with approximately 21 years of total mining experience, was electrocuted when he came into contact with an energized connection of a 7,200 volt alternating current (VAC) electrical circuit. He was found inside the onboard high voltage transformer compartment that supplies power to the mining machine. He had entered the compartment to troubleshoot and/or perform electrical work on the circuit. The accident occurred because the operator did not ensure the safe operation, testing, and repair of electrical equipment and circuitry, including use of proper lock out/tag out procedures. Mine management was aware that Whitlock’s electrician certification had expired, and therefore, he was precluded from performing electrical work by State and Federal regulations. However, mine management advised, directed, and assisted him in performing electrical work at the mine.

1. The mine operator did not perform test and repair work on electrical equipment and circuitry in a safe manner. The mine operator did not use proper lock out/tag out procedures.

   Acción correctiva: The mine operator developed and implemented an action plan to prevent similar occurrences. This plan includes controls to ensure:

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

Actividad al momento del incidente

Electrical Maintenance

Subunidad / ubicación

AUGER

Tipo de accidente

Contacto con corriente eléctrica

Fuente de la lesión

TRANSFORMERS,CONVERTERS

Naturaleza de la lesión

ELECT SHOCK,ELECTROCUTION

Parte del cuerpo afectada

BODY SYSTEMS

Experiencia minera total

20 years

Experiencia en esta mina

0 years

Experiencia en este puesto

20 years

Grado de la lesión

FATALITY