NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search
Tree trimmer dies after 50 foot fall while in bucket truck.
Authors
Kentucky Department of Health Services
Source
Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, FACE 94KY029, 1995 May; :1-4
NIOSHTIC No.
20026279
Abstract
A 48 year old male tree trimmer (the victim) died from a fall while trimming a tree from a bucket truck. The victim was the owner/operator of a tree trimming service. He operated the business for about 23 years, employing various part time helpers. On the day of the incident, two sons-in-law were operating chain saws at the scene when they heard a loud "pop." As they looked up, the witnesses saw the bucket carrying the victim slam against the truck. The sons-in-law removed the victim from the bucket. He was not breathing. The rescue squad was called and arrived at the scene about 15 minutes later. They reported no pulse or respiration. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroner. The victim was wearing a safety belt. A cable on the bucket truck had apparently failed. Investigators concluded that, in order to prevent future incidents of this type, owners/users of bucket trucks should: 1. Develop and implement a comprehensive inspection procedure to evaluate conditions of all elements of the bucket truck. 2. Establish routine preventive maintenance procedures to systematically test and replace worn parts. 3. Train employees in first aid procedures 4. Additionally, owners should be provided with material from the manufacturers on a periodic basis through mail to prompt them to inspect equipment and replace worn parts.
Keywords
Accident-analysis; Accident-potential; Accident-prevention; Accidents; Injuries; Injury-prevention; Safety-clothing; Safety-education; Safety-equipment; Safety-practices; Traumatic-injuries; Lumber-industry; Lumber-industry-workers; Region-4; Forestry-workers
Publication Date
19950501
Document Type
Field Studies; Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation
Funding Type
Cooperative Agreement
Fiscal Year
1995
Identifying No.
FACE-94KY029; Cooperative-Agreement-Number-U60-CCU-409879
SIC Code
NAICS-56
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
State
KY; WV
Performing Organization
Kentucky Department of Health Services
Page last reviewed: September 2, 2020
Content source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Education and Information Division