On August 27, 2019 a miner was splitting and sorting rock in a quarry when lightning was observed in the distance. The miner was seeking shelter when he was struck by lightning.
Best Practices:
- Train miners to take action after hearing thunder, seeing lightning, or perceiving any other warning signs of approaching thunderstorms.
- Use the established emergency communications system to provide miners with warnings when lightning is in the area.
- Identify locations for substantially built safe lightning shelters.
- Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), Final Report (pdf).