Two roofing technicians were going on to a flat roof to perform an inspection and repair. The first technician set up a 30 foot extension ladder to access the roof. The ladder was a Type IA Fiberglass ladder rated for a load capacity of 300 pounds. The technician weighed approximately 160 pounds. It was reported that the ladder had been inspected and was less than 2 months old. It was stated that the ladder had not been damaged or subjected to any harsh conditions.

No one witnessed the event

WSN Hazard Alert: Experienced cutter killed by freestanding tree - Download and share

What happened?

An experienced cutter-skidder operator working alone in a private woodlot was killed by a freestanding tree when it fell on him as he worked nearby. He was found by another worker in a facedown position, apparently having been struck from behind by the tree. The impact caused extensive internal injuries resulting in death.

WSN Hazard Alert printable format: Unsecure Load Results in Fatality - Download and share

What happened?

There have been a number of serious workplace injuries and fatalities as a result of unloading material from tractor-trailers. Last year, an unsecured load shifted during transport and was leaning against the back doors – a worker was killed when he opened the door and a bale fell out knocking him down so that his head hit the pavement.