Inspection Detail

Inspection: 315680256 - Precision Tree & Landscape

Inspection Information - Office: Minnesota Department Of Labor And Industry

Investigation Summary

At approximately 11:21 a.m. on June 30, 2011, Employee #1, owner of tree service, was working as the general contractor with two other companies removing a tree from alongside a residence. Employee #1 rode at headache ball 50 ft up into the tree and made his first cut. A coworker was 15 ft away on the peak of a garage roof to relay instructions as Employee #1 and the crane operator could not see each other. While Employee #1 was preparing to make a second cut, the coworker noticed that Employee #1 appeared to be distressed and disoriented. The coworker signaled the crane operator to lower the headache ball to Employee #1. The crane was still connected to the sling which was attached to the tree. Employee #1 attempted to lengthen his safety belt and then disconnected it in an effort to reach the headache ball. The coworker stated that Employee #1's face went blank and he fell backwards out of the tree. Employee #1 died.

Keywords: TREE FELLING, TREE, FALL, SLING