Arborist Dies in Fall from a Tree after being Hoisted by a Crane to the Tree – Massachusetts

Massachusetts Case Report: 11MA031
Release Date: September 25, 2013

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

On September 26, 2011 a 43-year-old male arborist (victim) was fatally injured when he fell approximately 70 feet from a pine tree. The victim was wearing a harness and had been hoisted into the tree by a crane’s load line. After attaching the crane’s sling to a section of tree being removed, the victim fell approximately 70 feet to the ground below. A co-worker placed a call for emergency medical services (EMS). Personnel from the local fire and police departments arrived within minutes of the call. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Arborist Dies in Fall from a Tree after being Hoisted by a Crane to the Tree – Massachusetts [PDF 582 KB]