Inspection Detail

Inspection: 119683159 - Discount Tree Service

Inspection Information - Office: Fremont District Office

Investigation Summary

Employee #1 and two coworkers were assigned to remove dead and drooping fronds from two palm trees in the courtyard of a residence in San Jose. Employee #1 and one coworker were the climbers for this job, and the other coworker was the ground person. After putting on their safety belts and lines, spikes, and flip lines, they climbed the tree and removed the fronds. The coworker completed his task before Employee #1 and watched for a few moments. Employee #1 did not feel secure, so he threw his safety line over the top of the tree, securing it between fronds. He tested the line by putting his weight on it before releasing his flip line and spikes. The tree had a lean to it, and when Employee #1 let go of his flip line and spikes, he swung away from the tree. The fronds holding the safety line in place broke, and Employee #1 fell 40 ft to the ground, which was grassy and fairly soft from being recently watered. Employee #1 sustained injuries that required hospitalization.

Keywords: TREE PRUNER, LIFELINE, WORK RULES, FALL, FALL PROTECTION, TREE TRIMMING, UNSTABLE POSITION