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.

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.

   Corrective action: 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.

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

Findings from MSHA's final investigation report, which supersedes the preliminary narrative above.

Activity at time of incident

Surface Equipment, Nec

Subunit / location

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Accident type

Fall from machine

Source of injury

GROUND

Nature of injury

MULTIPLE INJURIES

Body part affected

HEAD, MULTIPLE PARTS

Total mining experience

27 years

Experience at this mine

27 years

Experience in this job

6 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY