UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1611357.015 - Mainscape, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Raleigh

Investigation Summary

During the morning of July 29, 2022, a newly hired, unacclimated employee was pe rforming landscaping activities, including mowing, string trimming, and operatin g a gas-blower in a residential area, during which time wet bulb globe temperatu res ranged up to 88.4 degrees Fahrenheit with a heat index of up to 103.3 degree s Fahrenheit. The employee took multiple cooling-down breaks with water in the shade and in an air-conditioned vehicle between tasks. Around 11:00 a.m., the em ployee, who was exposed to the heat-related hazard, stumbled and could not stand up. A coworker called emergency services, and the employee was immediately tra nsported to a nearby hospital, where he received medical treatment. The employe e was pronounced dead about an hour and a half later with a body core temperatur e of 110.7 degrees Fahrenheit. The employee suffered heat stroke. The sun and at mospheric conditions, including heat, created the hazard that directly harmed th e employee.

Keywords:fall, fall on same level, heat injury prevention program, heat stroke, heat index, heat-related illness , landscaper, landscaping, lawn mower