Tree trimmers in Massachusetts may face more risks than many workers are aware of and a recent fatal accident highlights one of the many risks these workers face every day. A tree trimmer in Massachusetts recently suffered fatal injuries after he accidentally hit a power line while working.
The tree trimmer was working on cutting branches when his saw touched a power line, electrocuting the worker and causing him to suffer severe burns. The tree trimmer had worked for the Ahronian Landscape & Design of Holliston for 10 years, leaving some workplace safety officials to wonder how the accident happened in the first place.
Any job that requires workers to work around power lines can be very dangerous. These workers are at risk for being electrocuted as well as being injured from falls. In this case, the worker was electrocuted after his extended saw touched a power line while trimming branches, causing the worker to fall into the bucket truck he was working out of.
After the man was electrocuted, workers on the ground said he did not move and they believed he was on fire. Once the worker and the bucket truck were safely moved away from any electrocution hazards, a medical rescue helicopter took the worker to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The Occupational Safety and Health Organization is investigating the fatal workplace accident to see if any safety violations contributed to the worker’s death. This case is an example of the dangers workers face when working near power lines. Tree trimmers and other workers should be aware of the hazards they face and their employers should make sure workers have the proper training and protective equipment to complete their jobs safely.
Workers in Massachusetts who are injured in a workplace accident may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In cases like this one, the worker’s family may also be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits but it is important to discuss specific accidents and cases with a workers’ compensation attorney.
Source: The MetroWest Daily News, “Worker in Holliston dies after shock, severe burns,” Aug. 20, 2013
