UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1562695.015 - White Oak Tree Services

Inspection Information - Office: Houston South

Investigation Summary

At 10:45 a.m. on November 8, 2021, Employee #1 was cutting down branches in an o ak tree that was being removed from a residential property. Employee #1 had fini shed cutting down the smaller branches on the main section of the tree. The nex t section to be cut was a large branch toward the bottom of the tree that was le aning approximately 70 degrees. Employee #1 assisted with rigging a bull rope t hat was attached to the lower branch. The rope was placed through some branches at the top of the tree in an attempt to lower and pivot the large branch that w as being cut. As the lower branch was cut, the top portion of the tree broke an d fell to the ground with the employee. Employee #1 fell approximately 35 feet to a concrete surface and sustained blunt force trauma to the head and body; he was pronounced dead on the scene. The rigging point did not have the structural integrity to withstand the weight and force of the branch being cut. The emplo yee was not removed from the tree prior to cutting the lower branch, and an alte rnate means of removing the tree when there was evidence of decay was not utiliz ed.

Keywords:blunt force trauma, concrete, fall, fall from elevation, head, tree care