According to MSHA’s preliminary report, on Oct.17 a 52-year-old electrician with five years of experience was injured at the Lebec, Calif., cement operation. The victim was standing on a step ladder, pulling cable in a cable tray. The mounting bracket for the tray broke loose from the wall and the tray struck the step ladder. The victim fell 5 ft. from the ladder, striking his head on the concrete floor. The victim was transported to a hospital where he died on Oct. 19.
MSHA recommends the following “Best Practices” to avoid such accidents:
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when installing a cable tray on a supporting structure.
- Ensure that the correct anchors are used and that the supporting structures are adequate when installing a cable tray.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and any hazards that may be present.
- Properly position ladders used to reach elevated areas.
This is the 14th fatality reported in 2013 in metal and nonmetal mining. As of this date in 2012, there were 14 fatalities reported in metal and nonmetal mining. This is the first Fall of Person fatality in 2013. There were three Fall of Person fatalities in the same period in 2012.
