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