A Tree Trimmer Dies When He Falls From a Tree

California Case Report: 12CA010

The following report is the product of our Cooperative State partner and is presented here in its original unedited form from the state. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the individual Cooperative State partner and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

SUMMARY

A tree trimmer died from injuries received when he fell approximately 30 feet out of the tree he was trimming. He braced his leg on a branch for leverage as he attempted to start a chain saw that was attached to his tool belt. When the branch broke, the victim lost his balance and fell to the ground below. The victim was not secured to the tree even though he was wearing a tree climbing harness with attached lines, positioning lanyard, and climbing gaffs at the time of the incident. The victim was not trained or certified by any arborist or tree association.

A Tree Trimmer Dies When He Falls From a Tree, [PDF 452 KB]