Accident Report Detail
Accident Summary Nr: 201941168 - Employee Fell 60 Feet When Tree Trunk Snapped
| Inspection Nr | Date Opened | SIC | NAICS | Establishment Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 301427654 | 03/23/1999 | 0783 | 0 | Asplundh Tree Expert Co |
Abstract: A tree trimming company's employees were trimming coconut trees on a hotel property. Employee #1 climbed up a 60-ft-tall coconut tree and trimmed off coconut leaves from the crown of the tree. Employee #1 then strung his 1.5-in.-diameter, 90-ft-long manila rope around the tree's remaining crown area and tied the rope securely in place to provide a climbing aide and life-line. Employee #1 was tied onto this line when he repelled approximately half-way down this tree. Employee #1 instructed a coworker on the ground to walk toward a second tree and pull him (Employee #1) as he would ride the life line across the 20-ft distance to the next coconut tree. Employee #1 positioned himself on the second tree and reconnected his safety chain around this tree's trunk. Employee #1 started to climb up the second 60-ft-tall tree that had an angle of approximately 40 degrees. Employee #1 reached a point just below the crown area of the second tree approximately 60 ft above the ground and started to trim coconut leaves directly in front of him. Employee #1 placed his cane knife back into his bag and approximately 15 seconds later the tree trunk snapped below him. Employee #1 started to hug the trunk of the tree while falling towards the building. Employee #1 and the tree trunk struck the ground and he rolled off of the tree and turned over onto his back. Employee #1 received four stitches to his right index finger, and suffered bruises around his hip and stomach area. Employee #1 was hospitalized.
| Employee # | Inspection Nr | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 301427654 | Hospitalized injury | Bruise/Contus/Abras | Occupation not reported |
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