Accident Report Detail
Accident Summary Nr: 201143708 - Employee Suffocated by Palm Fronds
| Inspection Nr | Date Opened | SIC | NAICS | Establishment Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 305350100 | 04/11/2003 | 0783 | 561730 | J C Trees |
Abstract: On April 11, 2003, Employee #1 was trimming a palm tree, which was about 50 feet tall. He was positioned at about 30 feet above the ground, while trimming some dried up fronds (branches). He was wearing a tree worker's saddle with a safety strap and a pair of climbing spikes. There was a large cluster of about 20 dry fronds above his head where he was working. Suddenly, a large cluster came loose and engulfed his face and shoulder area. Other employees and the employer heard him yell and they came to help him. They tried to rescue him with a ladder but were unsuccessful. Paramedics arrived and brought him down from the tree. He was listless and revival attempts by the paramedics were unsuccessful. Autopsy reports concluded that Employee #1 died of asphyxiation due to external airway obstruction.
| Employee # | Inspection Nr | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 305350100 | Fatality | Asphyxia | Groundskeepers and gardeners, except farm |
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