Maintenance Man

An employee received burn injuries from exposure to hot water and caustic liquid, when they entered an area where the liquids accumulated on the ground. Employee fell into an open sump hole while walking into the work area.

On August 4, 2024, at 12:58 p.m., Curtis Diggs, a 45-year-old industrial technician from Waste-Pro USA with one month of mining experience, stepped into an opening in the floor created by the removal of a sump pump and received thermal and chemical burns to his body. On September 2, 2024, Diggs was pronounced dead from his injuries. The accident occurred because the mine operator did not: 1) install barricades or covers on the opening in the floor, 2) maintain the floor area in a dry condition, and 3) conduct workplace examinations and correct hazardous conditions.

1. The mine operator and the contractor did not install barricades or covers in the opening on the floor.

   Corrective action: The mine operator and contract company trained all miners in the procedures for installing barricades when openings in the flooring exist.

2. The mine operator did not maintain the floor area in a dry condition.

   Corrective action: The mine operator repaired the sump pump and installed it back into the opening. The company also trained all miners in the sump pump and grading removal procedure.

3. The mine operator and the contractor did not conduct workplace examinations and correct hazardous conditions.

   Corrective action: The mine operator and contractor trained all miners and contractors on the workplace examination requirements. Examinations were conducted and verified.

Read the full report (PDF)

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

Activity at time of incident

Walking, Running

Subunit / location

MILL OPERATION/PREPARATION PLANT

Accident type

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Source of injury

CHEMICALS,CHEM COMP,(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Nature of injury

BURN,CHEMICL-FUME,COMPOUN

Body part affected

MULTIPLE PARTS (MORE THAN ONE MAJOR)

Total mining experience

0 years

Experience at this mine

0 years

Experience in this job

1 year

Degree of injury

FATALITY