Tree Trimmer Fails to Attach Harness Properly

An experienced tree trimmer fell 40 feet (12 meters) to his death after the safety belt he was wearing malfunctioned.

The victim had been hired to trim palm trees at a California apartment complex and was cutting the branches of several palm trees when he fell. Co-workers heard the man scream and found him lying on the ground.

The victim was using safety devices (including a lanyard and rope) to secure himself to the tree. However, an investigation revealed a broken safety latch and an unsecured safety rope. The man’s supervisor told investigators that the safety rope had not been secured and a spring-loaded latch intended to connect the chain to the D-ring of the safety belt was broken.

Safety equipment is virtually useless if broken or used incorrectly. Protect yourself by examining your safety equipment before each use to ensure it is in good working order. Wear tree workers? saddles if you climb trees as part of your job. The shoes will provide much needed extra traction.