Abstract: A telephone line worker was working from a utility pole. The employee was well trained with 24 years of experience. Before climbing, he had checked the pole for cracks and rotting and had performed a gaff cutout test. Preparing to work, he was unhooking his belt to wrap it around the pole and strap in. He had placed his right leg higher than his left and when he put pressure on the right leg, the gaff on his climber cut out. He fell 6.7 meters and sustained an acute fracture of the left tibia at the tibial plateau. He was transported to a hospital, where orthopedic surgeons reconstructed his leg and knee. He was hospitalized for his injuries.