Electrician

Miner was on first floor of "New Office" working on a ladder changing a light. Miners co-worker went to basement to retrieve another new light. Co-worker heard a thump and a bang on the ceiling. Co-worker found miner sitting slumped on the floor unresponsive. Started CPR, called 911, deployed AED but the miner could never be revived.

On September 13, 2025, at approximately 8:14 a.m., Chase Conrad, a 21-year-old electrician with over 1 year of mining experience, was electrocuted while replacing a light fixture. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not: 1) have lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures in place for electrical work in the new mine office building, 2) provide adequate task training, and 3) conduct a workplace examination prior to beginning work.

1. The mine operator did not have proper LOTO procedures in place for electrical work in the new office building.

   Corrective action: The mine operator developed and implemented a new written LOTO procedure that includes provisions from 56.12017 and the types of electrical equipment and devices used for LOTO for electrical work in the new office building. The procedure requires workers to identify the specific circuit to be serviced, confirm its location on the breaker panel schedule, and fully de energize it. Each involved worker must apply a personal lock and tag, and zero voltage must be verified at the work site prior to beginning any task. Upon completion, personnel must be notified before the circuit is re energized, all locks and tags must be removed, power must be restored, and the circuit’s proper operation must be confirmed. The mine operator trained all miners on these procedures.

2. The mine operator did not provide adequate task training.

   Corrective action: The mine operator developed and implemented a new written LOTO procedure for all electrical work in the new office building. The mine operator trained all miners on this procedure.

3. The mine operator did not conduct a workplace examination prior to beginning work.

   Corrective action: The mine operator has provided workplace examinations for the work area. The mine operator developed and implemented a written procedure requiring workplace examinations to be conducted for work areas in the new office building. The mine operator trained all miners in this procedure.

Read the full report (PDF)

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

Activity at time of incident

Electrical Maintenance

Subunit / location

OFFICE WORKERS AT MINE SITE

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

1 year

Experience at this mine

1 year

Experience in this job

1 year

Degree of injury

FATALITY