Beltman

Crane lifting conveyor belt off of trailer using cable rigging employee was guiding rigging crane struck overhead power line employee was electrocuted

Texto original en inglés de la MSHA

On May 8, 2024, at approximately 11:20 a.m., Sean Marek, a 44 year-old crew member of Belt Tech Industrial Inc (Belt Tech) with over two years of mining experience, received a fatal electric shock as a result of a crane contacting high-voltage powerlines. The accident occurred because US Aggregates Inc did not: 1) conduct an adequate workplace examination of the PB9 Belt Conveyor Take-Up area, 2) provide adequate site-specific hazard awareness training, and 3) conspicuously mark and install warning devices for restricted clearances. Additionally, US Aggregates Inc, Belt Tech, and Muck’s Crane & Contracting LLC did not ensure work was conducted at least ten feet away from high-voltage powerlines.

1. US Aggregates Inc did not provide adequate site-specific hazard awareness training.

   Acción correctiva: US Aggregates Inc revised the Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment under Best Practices for Operating Cranes on the Mine Site section to include the following:A. Do not operate any machinery that can come within 15 feet vertically and horizontally of energized powerlines.B. Place markers such as cones, barrels, or other visible markers 20 feet away from energized powerlines and use an additional spotter(s) to warn the operator if the machine begins to come within 15 feet of the energized lines. C. Use radios or other audible warnings for communication. D. If working within 15 feet of powerlines, they shall be de-energized. E. The mine operator will conduct checks on contractors to verify that they are following federal and company policies while on the mine site.

2. US Aggregates Inc did not conspicuously mark and install warning devices for restricted clearances.

   Acción correctiva: US Aggregates Inc placed two warning signs at the entrance to the PB9 Belt Conveyor Take-Up area as well as a visual indicator on the powerlines.

3. US Aggregates Inc, Belt Tech, and Muck’s Crane & Contracting LLC did not ensure work was conducted at least ten feet away from high-voltage powerlines.

   Acción correctiva: US Aggregates Inc included Best Practices for Operating Cranes on the mine site addressing working around high-voltage powerlines into their Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment and trained all mine employees and contractors.A. Do not operate any machinery that can come within 15 feet vertically and horizontally of energized powerlines.B. Place markers such as cones, barrels, or other visible markers 20 feet away from energized powerlines and use an additional spotter(s) to warn the operator if the machine begins to come within 15 feet of the energized lines. C. Use radios or other audible warnings for communication. D. If working within 15 feet of powerlines, they shall be de-energized. E. The mine operator will conduct checks on contractors to verify that they are following federal and company policies while on the mine site.

Lee el informe completo (PDF)

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

Actividad al momento del incidente

Handling Supplies Or Material

Subunidad / ubicación

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Tipo de accidente

Contacto con corriente eléctrica

Fuente de la lesión

ELECTRICAL APPARATUS,(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Naturaleza de la lesión

ELECT SHOCK,ELECTROCUTION

Parte del cuerpo afectada

BODY SYSTEMS

Experiencia minera total

9 years

Experiencia en este puesto

2 years

Grado de la lesión

FATALITY