UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Abstract: Approximately 9:00 a.m. on March 5, 2005, Employee #1 and a coworker were in the front yard of a residential home. Employee #1 climbed the palm tree and began engaging in the operation of tree trimming with a chain saw. Employee #1 was wearing a full body harness and was attached to a rope that was tied around the palm tree. He was positioned approximately 30 ft above the ground. At approximately 9:30 a.m., Employee #1 notified his coworker, who was at ground level, that he was having trouble breathing to call for an ambulance. The coworker briefly left the work area to call for help. Later, the coworker found Employee #1 unresponsive and covered in palm leaves. Subsequently, Employee #1 was moved from the palm tree by Los Angeles County Fire Department and pronounced dead on the scene. Employee #1 was transported to Los Angeles County Coroners. According to his brother, Employee #1 had no business or contractor's license to do tree trimming. He worked as a handyman. According to the Los Angeles coroner's report, the death was caused by cocaine toxicity. Equipment Information: (inspected on March 9, 2005 at the LA Coroner's Office. 1 white rope 3 ft 10 in. long with knot at the end. 1 gray 3 ft lanyard connected to D-ring on harness. Hook lock mechanism was working which contained no identifiers. 1 Blue colored Harness. Ultrasafe Brand. Date August 2000 (Written). Unable to read Model, size and inspector. Shoulder D-Ring identified as D520 5M 00E. Metal Square clips at shoulder D103 4M00B. D102 4M 00D 1 leash measuring 5 ft 5 in. long by 1-in. thick. Containing an end clasp which read Coastal 1 pair of climbing spurs. One spur containing a rope inter wound in the spur appearing to be securing strap for the spur. Contains leather side identifier as Klein Tools Est. 1857. 8210R L3. No identifiers on metal sections. One spur containing white tape and green padding connected to metal section. Brown leather strap identifiers: 5301-18. 1-glass tube with material inside tube found inside the decedent's vehicle. (inspected on March 28, 2005 at the LA Coroner's Office. (See Photos) 1 Craftsman 18 in. chainsaw 530-049645 18"/42CC 800-235-5878 Craftsman phone number Disp 4PWES.0424CB SN 42CC:TWC Model 04287D2000017:(13:48) UL Listed Chainsaw was observed approximately 3/4 full of gasoline. 1 metal utility knife with black handle Approximately 5 in. in length. No identifiers. China. Contained a missing screw. Tree information: Type: palm tree. Circumference measurement 2-ft above base equal 6 ft by 18 ft horizontal 37 ft diagonal using state issued laser measurement device as measured at the point where employee was positioned. Measurement Distance from cable line to tree trunk equal 14 ft.