MSHA reported that on July 26, an electrician at Stillwater Mine, Stillwater, Mont., was electrocuted when he came in contact with one phase of a 13,200-volt three phase power source.
This is the 16th fatality reported in 2025, and the first classified as “Electrical.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Always lock out, tag out, and try out electrical equipment prior to work.
- Verify circuits are de-energized using properly rated test equipment.
- Leave protective covers in place until electrically powered equipment is de-energized.
- Always ensure High Voltage equipment conductors are grounded before beginning work.
- Always use proper tools and Personal Protective Equipment when working with electricity.
MSHA also reported that on July 29, a contractor at Academy Black, Clovis, Calif., died when the excavator he was tramming toppled forward, causing the cab to land on a boulder.
This is the 17th fatality reported in 2025, and the fourth classified as “Machinery.”
MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident:
- Maintain the boom in the direction of travel when tramming.
- Maintain control of self-propelled mobile equipment while it is in motion.
- Ensure miners operate excavators perpendicular to the slope.
- Task train miners in the safe operation and potential hazards of all equipment, including avoiding ground conditions that can cause the equipment to tip over.
- Conduct workplace examinations of all work areas prior to beginning work.