On August 18, 2023, a section foreman was installing hose for a dewatering pump. He was found unresponsive lying in approximately eight inches of water and mud. MSHA’s initial findings indicated medical related issues as the cause of death. However, on September 26, 2023, MSHA received the death certificate which states cause of death is drowning. After further investigation and review, MSHA has decided that this death should be charged to the mining industry.
Best Practices
- Provide and maintain safe access to all working places. Remove standing water where miners work and travel.
- Ensure qualified electricians examine and maintain electrical equipment in safe operating condition; if equipment is defective, correct hazards or remove equipment from service.
- Report and correct any slip, trip, or fall hazards.
Additional Information
This is the 34th fatality reported in 2023, and the second classified as “Drowning.”
Click here for: Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).