ShermanC
ArboristSite Operative
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2008
- Messages
- 352
- Reaction score
- 195
Peter Paul and Mary sang it so well so often and the theme certainly must effect our trade. I am getting on a soap box today and I hope this will be read throughout the industry. We are loosing perhaps more tree workers and owners this year than we have the last 3-4 years. I keep hoping we will get smarter and reduce injuries and fatalities.
The preventable accident a week ago SUNDAY in Albuquerque, NM caused death of two at the scene and death of one in the hospital and two more are still in the hospital in ICU. Four of the five occupants in the lift basket were children, the oldest boy was only 12. I am sick about this accident and sticking my neck out with a plea to any and all who take risk management for granted. I doubt I could survive as a politician because I detest the good old boy club attitudes like "it'll never happen to me". The cruise ship Costa Concordia sailed aground on the Italian coastline but no one saw it coming. It proved the abject ignorance and stupidity of the man in charge. His commandants didn't challenge the captain and look what the heck happened.
The faults in this accident proved similar stupidity and ignorance made by Ken Raschick the deceased arborist who reportedly had worked in tree care since 1973. If this man had liability insurance it must be questioned how the broker or agent got qualified to inspect interrogate and question the habits of Raschik in operating a tree service. Yes these issues deserve challenge and inspection.
The faults committed by the owner listed below are based on reports and photos. They tell us we must learn respect use and demand the standards that have been set by our leadership, professional members. We should cease and desist all risky activity that puts life at risk. It's dangerous work and it should be restricted to work only by professionals ...no damned joy rides or showing out.
Faults committed:
#owner operated lift while it was loaded for transport not for work
#owner operated lift with children as passengers for a joy ride
# owner elected to conduct a lift operation on wet ground
End of lecture with hopes we can stop this kind of nonsense in our industry. To those who have never fallen to learn that gravity rules and listen and study and learn while you're ahead. My forgetfulness to fasten my safety belt to the tree I was in 17 years ago almost caused my death. It cost me a lot but now I am blessed with a titanium hip the surgeries done by dedicated surgeons and with healthy living I still work at age 74. Be safe out there in all you do.
The preventable accident a week ago SUNDAY in Albuquerque, NM caused death of two at the scene and death of one in the hospital and two more are still in the hospital in ICU. Four of the five occupants in the lift basket were children, the oldest boy was only 12. I am sick about this accident and sticking my neck out with a plea to any and all who take risk management for granted. I doubt I could survive as a politician because I detest the good old boy club attitudes like "it'll never happen to me". The cruise ship Costa Concordia sailed aground on the Italian coastline but no one saw it coming. It proved the abject ignorance and stupidity of the man in charge. His commandants didn't challenge the captain and look what the heck happened.
The faults in this accident proved similar stupidity and ignorance made by Ken Raschick the deceased arborist who reportedly had worked in tree care since 1973. If this man had liability insurance it must be questioned how the broker or agent got qualified to inspect interrogate and question the habits of Raschik in operating a tree service. Yes these issues deserve challenge and inspection.
The faults committed by the owner listed below are based on reports and photos. They tell us we must learn respect use and demand the standards that have been set by our leadership, professional members. We should cease and desist all risky activity that puts life at risk. It's dangerous work and it should be restricted to work only by professionals ...no damned joy rides or showing out.
Faults committed:
#owner operated lift while it was loaded for transport not for work
#owner operated lift with children as passengers for a joy ride
# owner elected to conduct a lift operation on wet ground
End of lecture with hopes we can stop this kind of nonsense in our industry. To those who have never fallen to learn that gravity rules and listen and study and learn while you're ahead. My forgetfulness to fasten my safety belt to the tree I was in 17 years ago almost caused my death. It cost me a lot but now I am blessed with a titanium hip the surgeries done by dedicated surgeons and with healthy living I still work at age 74. Be safe out there in all you do.