Accident Report Detail

Accident Summary Nr: 201145182 - Employee Is Electrocuted While Trimming Palm Tree

Accident Summary Nr: 201145182 -- Report ID: 0950631 -- Event Date: 03/31/2004
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
305353609	03/31/2004	0782	561730	Jose Huerta

Abstract: On March 31, 2004, Employee #1 was trimming a palm tree that measured 45 feet tall for an employer that specialized in residential gardening and tree services. As Employee #1 was positioned on the tree, approximately 40 feet above the ground, cutting off palm fronds with a gasoline-powered chainsaw, he contacted a 12KV electrical wire, was electrocuted, and killed. Emergency services were contacted and upon their arrival, Employee #1's body was removed from the tree. The accident investigation determined that Employee #1, who was wearing climbing gaffs and a positioning belt, was located about 4 feet away from the electrical wire. While Employee #1 cut a green frond, it became caught on the electrical wire. As he tried to pull the frond away from the wire, he came into contact with the wire.

Keywords: TREE LIMB, PPE, CHAIN SAW, ELECTRIC CABLE, ELECTROCUTED, ELECTRIC CONDUCTOR, ELECTRIC SHOCK, UTILITY POLE, TREE TRIMMING

Employee Details
Employee #	Inspection Nr	Age	Sex	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	305353609			Fatality	Electric Shock	Groundskeepers and gardeners, except farm

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