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Inspection Detail
Inspection: 312327059 - Apple Tree Service, Llc
Inspection Information - Office: Nc Department Of Labor - Charlotte
Site Address:
Apple Tree Service, Llc
266 20th Ave. Dr.,Nw
Hickory, NC 28601
Mailing Address:
712 E Main St., Maiden, NC 28650
Union Status: NonUnion
SIC:0783
NAICS: 561730/Landscaping Services
Inspection Type: Accident
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Safety
Close Conference: 10/07/2008
Planning Guide: Safety-Manufacturing
Emphasis:
Case Closed: 06/02/2009
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 102097987 |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Current Violations | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Initial Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Current Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| FTA Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| # | Citation ID | Citaton Type | Standard Cited | Issuance Date | Abatement Due Date | Current Penalty | Initial Penalty | FTA Penalty | Contest | Latest Event | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 01001 | Serious | 95012901 | 10/14/2008 | 11/07/2008 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 11/13/2008 | F - Formal Settlement | |
| 2. | 01002 | Serious | 95012901 | 10/14/2008 | 11/07/2008 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 11/13/2008 | F - Formal Settlement | |
| 3. | 01003 | Serious | 19100135 A01 | 10/14/2008 | 11/07/2008 | $0 | $0 | $0 | 11/13/2008 | F - Formal Settlement |
Investigation Summary
On May 27, 2008, Employee #1 and a coworker, who worked for a tree trimming service, were at a residence to fell a tree that had been struck by lightning. The coworker had already trimmed several branches off the tree, prior to felling it. Employee #1 was in charge of attaching lines and block and tackle to two other trees to guide them to the ground, as they were cut. According to a witness, a friend of the homeowner, the coworker was wearing the needed personal protective equipment (PPE) for cutting a tree, but Employee #1 wasn't wearing any PPE. The witness indicated that when the coworker started to cut the tree, Employee #1 was approximately 60 feet downhill and to the right of the coworker. The witness then stated that once the tree had fallen, the coworker called out to Employee #1 and didn't receive a response. At that point, the coworker went to the area where Employee #1 had been and found Employee #1 on the ground. Employee #1 was unconscious and bleeding heavily from the back of the head. The witness immediately summoned emergency medical services (EMS). EMS personnel responded within five minutes, attempted to stabilize Employee #1, and then had him airlifted to a trauma unit. Employee #1 died that evening at the hospital. Cause of death was described as massive head injuries from blunt trauma. According to EMS personnel, the blunt trauma was caused by a large branch, which was still attached to the top of the tree, hitting Employee #1 in the back of the head.
Keywords: HEAD, UNCONSCIOUSNESS, TREE FELLING, LOSS OF BLOOD, TREE LIMB, PPE, TREE, STRUCK BY, TREE TRIMMING
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 312327059 | Fatality | Fracture | Occupation not reported |