Tree Trimmer Climbs Down Unassisted After Serious Chainsaw Accident
A serious chainsaw accident that could have ended in a fatality was reported in Citrus Heights after a tree trimmer’s arm was nearly completely severed while he was working 50 to 60 feet up. Miraculously, the tree trimmer managed to get himself down out of the tree with only one arm to assist him where rescue personnel with Sac Metro Fire were waiting. The tree trimmer is now at Mercy San Juan Medical Center being treated for his injury but is expected to recover.
Fire Personnel Watch With Amazement as Seriously Injured Man Climbs Down Tree Unaided
Crews with Sac Metro Fire in Citrus Heights responded to the calls to 911 prepared for aerial rescue by bringing a ladder truck. They reported that the man was conscious and awake and appeared to be between 50 and 60 feet up the tree. However, as firefighters began to arrive, they could see the tree trimmer making his way down the tree alone by using his remaining arm.
Neighbors Express Their Astonishment
Neighbors living nearby described what happened. They stated that a colleague of the man up the tree climbed up and gave a tourniquet to him to tie off the arm that had almost been severed by his chainsaw. The next thing they knew, the injured man was coming down the tree one-handed, and they then saw him covered with blood. Next, they said the man was sitting on the gurney in the ambulance, holding his arm in the air and applying pressure on it himself.
Company Employing Tree Trimmer Had a Good Safety Record
It was reported that Anderson Tree Company was the employer of the injured tree trimmer, which had no citations for safety violations. Sac Metro will be sending a report about the accident to Cal/OSHA.
Incidence of Chainsaw Accidents
Accidents involving a chainsaw are surprisingly common, and the results of many are devastating. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 36,000 people suffer a chainsaw accident every year. The U.S. Product Safety Commission reported that the majority of chainsaw accidents cause injuries to the hand and arm area, followed by the leg area, so appropriate training and protection are important.
Workers’ Compensation Following an Accident on the Job
Following an amputation injury or other accident on the job, the injured worker has the right to claim workers’ compensation. An injury lawyer can assist the injured worker in obtaining appropriate benefits from workers’ compensation by gathering the evidence needed to support your claim. They can also help if your claim is denied, with your disability rating and assist you in getting the maximum allowable compensation if you are unable to return to work.
Manufacturer Defects
In some cases, a defect in the chainsaw can lead to an injury. This is why it is important to retain the chainsaw, so it can be examined for defects. Should a defect be present, the manufacturer may be held financially responsible through a product liability lawsuit.
OSHA Regulations on the Operation of a Chainsaw
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has specific regulations that are required for employers to offer their employees who operate a chainsaw to ensure their safety. These include:
- Workers must be trained on specific requirements, procedures, and practices to prevent a chainsaw accident.
- The ability to perform tasks safely is required to avoid a chainsaw accident.
- Safe operation of the equipment, vehicles and tools that might be encountered in the job is required.
- OSHA safety standards for first aid and medical services are required to be taught in the event of a chainsaw accident.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury attorney. Employees injured on the job are allowed to apply for workers’ compensation. When permanent or partial disability is involved, the injured worker may benefit from the advice of an attorney. Call us for our free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. We can also be reached online.
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Since 1982, the injury lawyers at AutoAccident.com have helped countless people in obtaining the compensation they deserve for work-related accidents, all types of traffic collisions, wrongful deaths, and more.
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