Driller

Employee was electrocuted by transformer power.

On Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at approximately 5:15 p.m., James A. Whitlock, a 38-year old Highwall Mining Machine Operator with approximately 21 years of total mining experience, was electrocuted when he came into contact with an energized connection of a 7,200 volt alternating current (VAC) electrical circuit. He was found inside the onboard high voltage transformer compartment that supplies power to the mining machine. He had entered the compartment to troubleshoot and/or perform electrical work on the circuit. The accident occurred because the operator did not ensure the safe operation, testing, and repair of electrical equipment and circuitry, including use of proper lock out/tag out procedures. Mine management was aware that Whitlock’s electrician certification had expired, and therefore, he was precluded from performing electrical work by State and Federal regulations. However, mine management advised, directed, and assisted him in performing electrical work at the mine.

1. The mine operator did not perform test and repair work on electrical equipment and circuitry in a safe manner. The mine operator did not use proper lock out/tag out procedures.

   Corrective action: The mine operator developed and implemented an action plan to prevent similar occurrences. This plan includes controls to ensure:

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

Activity at time of incident

Electrical Maintenance

Subunit / location

AUGER

Accident type

Contact with electrical current

Source of injury

TRANSFORMERS,CONVERTERS

Nature of injury

ELECT SHOCK,ELECTROCUTION

Body part affected

BODY SYSTEMS

Total mining experience

20 years

Experience at this mine

0 years

Experience in this job

20 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY