Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Sergeant Major assigned to 128th Aviation Brigade, Fort Eustis, Virginia, died in a fall mishap 4 November 2017 at 1330 local in Beaverdam, Virginia. Preliminary reporting indicates the Soldier suffered fatal injuries when he fell while trimming a tree at his residence.

ENGAGEMENT TIPS:

Unless you can work with both feet on the ground and the job is a simple pruning of small branches, consider hiring a professional tree service.

• Working at height requires proper training and protection due to a number of risky variables such as electrical wires, wildlife, nearby fences, buildings or homes.


• It takes knowledge, skill and expertise to correctly estimate where a larger limb will fall when cut from the tree.


• Professionals use the right kind of equipment and proper safety precautions to prevent catastrophic results from miscalculations.


• If you are trimming your own trees:


• Assume all power lines are energized.


• Do not work on any trees within 10 feet of a power line; leave that to the pros.


• Wear personal safety equipment.


• Do not work in dangerous weather conditions.


• Use caution on ladders and lifts.


• Do not climb with tools.

ANALYZE IT: https://safety.army.mil/ShrinkLink/163

TRAIN IT: https://safety.army.mil/ShrinkLink/173

A Captain assigned to Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, died in a skateboarding mishap 30 October 2017 at 0037 local while TDY in Daegu, Republic of Korea. The Soldier was reportedly crossing an intersection on an electric skateboard when he ran into a traffic cone, fell onto the street and was struck by a passing vehicle. The Soldier was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

ANALYZE IT: https://safety.army.mil/ShrinkLink/163

TRAIN IT: https://safety.army.mil/ShrinkLink/170

A Specialist assigned to 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas, died in a PMV-2 mishap 27 October 2017 at 1400 local in Pine Springs, Texas. The Soldier’s motorcycle reportedly left the roadway and crashed. He was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Soldier, who redeployed earlier in the month, was wearing a helmet and had completed required Motorcycle Safety Foundation training seven days prior to the mishap.

ANALYZE IT: https://safety.army.mil/ShrinkLink/163

TRAIN IT: https://safety.army.mil/ShrinkLink/169

A Specialist assigned to U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, with duty at Landstuhl, Germany, died 9 October 2017 at 0620 local in Landstuhl. The Soldier is believed to have been walking on or along railroad tracks when he was struck by a passing train.

ENGAGEMENT TIPS:

• All train tracks are private property. Never walk on tracks; it’s illegal trespass and highly dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer sees a trespasser or vehicle on the tracks it’s too late. It takes the average freight train traveling at 55 mph more than a mile — the length of 18 football fields — to stop. Trains cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision.


• Remember to cross train tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings, and obey all warning signs and signals posted there.


• Stay alert around railroad tracks. No texting, headphones or other distractions that would prevent you from hearing an approaching train. Never mix rails and recreation.

ANALYZE IT: https://safety.army.mil/ShrinkLink/163

TRAIN IT: https://safety.army.mil/ShrinkLink/167

A Private First Class assigned to 20th Engineer Brigade, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a PMV-2 mishap 21 October 2017 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at 1540 local. The Soldier was operating a motorcycle when he struck the rear end of a minivan that had stopped at an intersection. The Soldier suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after the accident. He was wearing all required PPE and had recently completed Motorcycle Safety Foundation training.

ANALYZE IT: https://safety.army.mil/ShrinkLink/163

TRAIN IT: https://safety.army.mil/ShrinkLink/166