Groundman

Temporary contracted employee contacted the 12500 volt overhead power line with an irrigation pipe

Dalton James Rodriguez, Grounds Keeper, age 26, was electrocuted on July 14, 2017, when he contacted overhead, high voltage power lines with an aluminum irrigation pipe. The accident occurred because the operator did not de-energize overhead power lines or take other precautions when individuals were working in the area. The operator did not install barricades or post signs to indicate dangerous overhead conditions existed in the area where the accident occurred, and did not conduct work place examinations in the area.

1. The overhead powerlines were not de-energized and no other precautions were taken when working near the high voltage lines.

   Corrective action: The Company has removed the hand irrigation pipeline and is in the process of bidding to install an underground sprinkler system. There is no longer a need to manually move irrigation pipe under the powerlines. All miners working around overhead powerlines were given extra training.

2. The area where the accident occurred was not barricaded nor were there posted signs to indicate dangerous overhead conditions existed.

   Corrective action: Several signs have been placed under the powerlines warning of overhead hazards.

3. A work place examination was not being conducted in this area.

   Corrective action: The scope of the work place examinations program has been expanded to include the entrance road and grounds.

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

Activity at time of incident

Handling Supplies Or Material

Subunit / location

OFFICE WORKERS AT MINE SITE

Accident type

Contact with electrical current

Source of injury

CONDCTR,ELCT,CBL,TROL POL

Nature of injury

ELECT SHOCK,ELECTROCUTION

Body part affected

BODY SYSTEMS

Total mining experience

0 years

Experience at this mine

0 years

Experience in this job

5 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY