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Fairfield County tree worker dies in fatal fall from a tree

A fall is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries. Falls are more common in the construction and painting industries; such accidents are comparatively rare among tree workers. However, this does not exempt the tree workers from having to wear proper safety equipment when working at great heights. Connecticut workers might be aware that fall-related injuries are covered by the workers’ compensation laws.

Recently, a 26-year old tree worker died while working on a tree at a house in Belle Haven, Greenwich, 25 miles from Bridgeport, Connecticut. The accident occurred when a large part of the detached tree trunk fell backwards onto the worker and knocked him out.

The worker got trapped underneath the tree trunk and was extricated by the ground crew, which included family members of the deceased worker. Until police and paramedics arrived, the worker was in cardiac arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed on the worker at the scene of the accident. The victim was later transported to Greenwich Hospital, where he was later declared dead. The worker was an employee of a Cos Cob business called “Lopez Landscaping.”

The tree worker had taken some precautions while climbing the tree, including boot spikes and a harness. However, the worker’s fall has raised various questions about the appropriateness of the safety equipment used. This is not the first such workplace fatality in Greenwich. Last year, a tree worker cut his hand with a chain saw while working on a 50-foot tall tree.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating that incident. A compliance officer was also sent to the scene of the incident. In Connecticut, OSHA has jurisdiction over workplace accidents involving private companies, whereas the state has jurisdiction over workplace accidents involving the state and municipalities.

Workplace accidents may result in serious injuries or fatalities. Workplace accident victims may file a workers’ compensation claim. The claim may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and lost wages.

Similarly, a workplace fatality may cause extreme financial hardship to family members of the deceased worker. A workers’ compensation claim may help a family in these extreme situations. The compensation for the dependents of the deceased worker may include funeral expenses and weekly compensation, depending on deceased’s income.

Source: Greenwichtime.com, “Tree worker in fatality employed by Cos Cob company,” Jan. 8, 2013

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