Inspection Detail

Inspection: 314325044 - Dustin Waraner Dba Waraner Tree Experts

Inspection Information - Office: American Canyon District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 7:30 a.m. on April 20, 2010, Employee #1 began trimming trees at a residence in the backyard, along with two other coworkers. At approximately 9:00 a.m., Employee #1 was situated in a large hedge and approximately 8 feet above ground level. Employee #1 finished anchoring to a selected branch, or used one anchor point to the saddle being worn to prevent falling, instead of the standard two anchor points suggested by their employer. Employee #1 proceeded to use a pole pruner to prune branches in the hedge, but as Employee #1 leaned forward to make a cut, the branch he was anchored to broke, resulting in Employee #1 falling forward head first onto a stone retaining wall, before landing another few feet onto the ground just beyond the retaining wall. When Employee #1 fell, his back struck a mason stone, causing a fracture of the T-9 Thoracic vertebrae and a fracture of the sternum. A coworker called 911, and the San Ramon Valley Fire Department arrived on scene at approximately 9:39 a.m., where Employee #1 received emergency medical services, and was then transported to John Muir Hospital Trauma Center, arriving there at approximately 10:21 a.m. The Division (Concord District Office) was notified of the accident at approximately 11:20 a.m. on April 20, 2010, by the San Ramon Valley Fire Department.

Keywords: ANCHOR, CHEST, TREE PRUNER, FRACTURE, PPE, TREE, FALL, FALL PROTECTION, VERTEBRA, TREE TRIMMING