Houston Plant, Harris, TX – November 2020

MINE FATALITY- On November 23, 2020, a miner was electrocuted while troubleshooting a disconnect box for the classifier drive motor. The victim had the electrical disconnect box open and the main power supply was not deenergized.

“Best Practices” provided from MSHA:

• Ensure electrical circuit components are properly designed and installed by qualified electrical personnel.

• Ensure electrical troubleshooting and work are performed bypeople with proper electrical qualifications. Positively identify thecircuit on which work will be conducted.

• Before performing electrical work, locate the visual disconnectaway from an enclosure and open it, lock it, and tag it, to ensureall electrical components in the enclosure are de-energized. Verify by testing for voltage using properly rated test equipment.

• Wear properly rated and well maintained personal protective equipment, including arc flash protection such as a hood, gloves, shirt and pants.

• Train miners on safe work practices for electrical equipment and circuits.

Click here for the full report from the United States Department of Labor