Beltman

Crane lifting conveyor belt off of trailer using cable rigging employee was guiding rigging crane struck overhead power line employee was electrocuted

On May 8, 2024, at approximately 11:20 a.m., Sean Marek, a 44 year-old crew member of Belt Tech Industrial Inc (Belt Tech) with over two years of mining experience, received a fatal electric shock as a result of a crane contacting high-voltage powerlines. The accident occurred because US Aggregates Inc did not: 1) conduct an adequate workplace examination of the PB9 Belt Conveyor Take-Up area, 2) provide adequate site-specific hazard awareness training, and 3) conspicuously mark and install warning devices for restricted clearances. Additionally, US Aggregates Inc, Belt Tech, and Muck’s Crane & Contracting LLC did not ensure work was conducted at least ten feet away from high-voltage powerlines.

1. US Aggregates Inc did not provide adequate site-specific hazard awareness training.

   Corrective action: US Aggregates Inc revised the Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment under Best Practices for Operating Cranes on the Mine Site section to include the following:A. Do not operate any machinery that can come within 15 feet vertically and horizontally of energized powerlines.B. Place markers such as cones, barrels, or other visible markers 20 feet away from energized powerlines and use an additional spotter(s) to warn the operator if the machine begins to come within 15 feet of the energized lines. C. Use radios or other audible warnings for communication. D. If working within 15 feet of powerlines, they shall be de-energized. E. The mine operator will conduct checks on contractors to verify that they are following federal and company policies while on the mine site.

2. US Aggregates Inc did not conspicuously mark and install warning devices for restricted clearances.

   Corrective action: US Aggregates Inc placed two warning signs at the entrance to the PB9 Belt Conveyor Take-Up area as well as a visual indicator on the powerlines.

3. US Aggregates Inc, Belt Tech, and Muck’s Crane & Contracting LLC did not ensure work was conducted at least ten feet away from high-voltage powerlines.

   Corrective action: US Aggregates Inc included Best Practices for Operating Cranes on the mine site addressing working around high-voltage powerlines into their Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment and trained all mine employees and contractors.A. Do not operate any machinery that can come within 15 feet vertically and horizontally of energized powerlines.B. Place markers such as cones, barrels, or other visible markers 20 feet away from energized powerlines and use an additional spotter(s) to warn the operator if the machine begins to come within 15 feet of the energized lines. C. Use radios or other audible warnings for communication. D. If working within 15 feet of powerlines, they shall be de-energized. E. The mine operator will conduct checks on contractors to verify that they are following federal and company policies while on the mine site.

Read the full report (PDF)

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

Activity at time of incident

Handling Supplies Or Material

Subunit / location

STRIP, QUARY, OPEN PIT

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

9 years

Experience in this job

2 years

Degree of injury

FATALITY