Blaster

The senior blaster received fatal injuries when he was conducting a post-blast examination. The accident occurred when the ground on which he was walking caved in. The circumstances surrounding the accident and the cause of the accident are still under investigation.

1. Mine management did not have any policies, procedures, or controls in place to protect persons at the blast site.

   Corrective action: Mine management established Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for detecting cavities that includes drilling to determine the full extent of any cavities detected.

2. Blasting contractor management did not conduct a risk assessment to determine the potential hazards or to establish safe work procedures at the blast site.

   Corrective action: Blasting contractor management established Standard Operating Procedures for conducting blasting at the mine. These safe operating procedures address activities regarding loading the blast, conducting the blast, and conducting post- blast examinations.

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

Activity at time of incident

Walking, Running

Subunit / location

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

Accident type

Caught in, under or between collapsing material or buildings

Source of injury

LANDSLIDE (SURF ONLY)

Nature of injury

SUFFOC,SMOK INHILAT,DROWN

Body part affected

BODY SYSTEMS

Total mining experience

11 years

Experience at this mine

0 years

Experience in this job

6 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY