Electricity can be one of mining’s greatest dangers, even when working outside. 

In a space of just ten days in early 2023, three miners lost their lives due to electrical-related incidents. 

On January 27, two contractors were electrocuted when a 14,000-volt overhead power line came into contact with their off-road dump trucks. The contractors stepped outside the cabs of their trucks and were killed by the electrical energy from the line. 

On February 6, a haul truck driver was raising the bed of his truck when it touched an overhead power line. A fire resulted on one of the truck’s tires. The driver stepped outside the cab to extinguish the fire, but upon reentering, he was electrocuted.

Here are some best practices to remember when working outside around electricity: 

BEST PRACTICES

• Do not stage, park or position trucks, cranes or other equipment under overhead power lines. 
• Post warning signs at all approaches to overhead power lines. Install barricades where necessary. 
• Establish safe approaches and create safe zones for raising and lowering truck beds, booms and masts. 

If your truck, boom or mast contacts an overhead power line: 

• Remain inside the vehicle. 
• Call emergency response personnel. 
• Inform others to stay away. 
• Exit the truck only if it is on fire. To exit, jump from the truck landing with both feet together. Do not touch the truck and ground at the same time. Then, shuffle both feet as close as possible for at least 30 feet as you move away from the truck.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

CORESafety Module #4 – Fatality Prevention / Risk Management
CORESafety Module #12 – Work Procedures and Permits
CORESafety Module #12 – Electrical Safety
NIOSH Article – Heavy Equipment Near Overhead Power Lines?
CORESafety website – Visit us here.