Inspection Detail

Inspection: 309768208 - Arborcare Tree Specialists, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Naperville Area Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 4:15 p.m. on August 28, 2006, a 43-year-old owner of a tree care firm, which had been incorporated for approximately two months, was in a tree, trimming branches. It was raining at the time and had been raining for most of the day. The sole company employee, to whom the owner spoke primarily Spanish, was on the ground. When the owner dropped a branch to his employee, it contacted a 7,200-volt overhead power line. The branch moved back and struck the owner in the chest. He grabbed the branch as it struck him and was electrocuted. It was unknown if the owner had previous experience or was trained in tree trimming. He was wearing fall protection during the operation. The company did not have a safety program.

Keywords: OVERHEAD POWER LINE, ELECTRICAL, TREE LIMB, ELECTROCUTED, E GI IC, TREE TRIMMING