Electrician fatality at South Hollow Prep Plant and Loadout (Kanawha Eagle Mining, LLC), WV, August 7, 2019

EE was working to replace a high voltage starter for the slope belt and was in the process of adjusting the mechanical linkage connected to the switch when EE came in contact with electricity. EE was transported via ambulance to CAMC Memorial where EE passed away from the injuries sustained from the incident.

On Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at approximately 8:05 a.m., Michael S. Davis, a 42-year-old electrician with 15 years of mining experience died when he contacted a 4,160 VAC energized circuit. When the accident occurred, the victim was attempting to replace a vacuum contactor located in the 8th floor motor control center (MCC) room in a coal preparation plant. The accident occurred because the mine operator engaged in, and assisted miners in the performance of, electrical work while knowing the energized electrical circuit on which electrical work was performed was not locked and tagged out.

1. The mine operator engaged in, and assisted miners in the performance of, electrical work while knowing the energized electrical circuit on which electrical work was performed was not locked and tagged out. The mine operator did not follow their own procedures to ensure that electrical work would be performed safely. The mine operator revised their procedures to specifically clarify steps required when performing electrical work.

   Corrective action: The mine operator installed new equipment related to locking out and tagging out, and revised the written lock out/tag out procedures.

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

Activity at time of incident

Electrical Maintenance

Subunit / location

MILL OPERATION/PREPARATION PLANT

Accident type

Contact with electrical current

Source of injury

ELECTRICAL APPARATUS,(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Nature of injury

ELECT SHOCK,ELECTROCUTION

Body part affected

BODY SYSTEMS

Total mining experience

15 years

Experience at this mine

14 years

Experience in this job

7 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY

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