Lausd: OSHA inspections and violations

Incident on Oct 5, 1998 (fatal): A tree trimming helper dies from heart attack

At approximately 3:00 p.m. on October 5, 1998, Employee #1, a tree trimming help er, died of an apparent heart attack while sweeping debris from a palm-trimming operation. At approximately 6:50 p.m., the Division was notified of the fatality by the employer's safety personnel. An investigation was initiated during the m orning of October 6, 1998. The maintenance department within the school district employs tree surgeons and helpers, under the supervision of a senior tree surge on, to perform maintenance on trees, shrubs, and vines. On the day of the incide nt, a crew of two surgeons and a helper, who is not allowed to climb, were trimm ing palm trees within a controlled-accessed driveway at an elementary school. Bo th tree surgeons had already left for the day, when Employee #1 was still sweepi ng leaves and debris. A school teacher, later joined by the plant manager, found the body of Employee #1 lying beside a palm tree on the sidewalk. There was no evidence of external bleeding. The school computer coordinator administered card io-pulmonary resuscitation. Employee #1's body was transported to St. Francis Me dical Center, where he was later pronounced dead of cardiopulmonary arrest. The investigation determined that the cause of death was not work-related. His emplo yer failed to address deficiencies related to the safety requirements for the tr ee-trimming program.