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Chainsaws – Landscaping Fatality File

Fatal Chainsaw Accident in Landscaping

On August 11, 2023, a tragic chainsaw accident occurred at the Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee, USA, resulting in the death of a 41-year-old tree worker, Javier Damian-Banos. The fatality happened during tree limb removal activities, which are part of regular landscaping and maintenance operations on the site.

The accident investigation revealed that Damian-Banos was using a chainsaw to cut a large branch when the saw experienced a sudden kickback. The chainsaw's kickback caused the saw to strike Damian-Banos in the neck, leading to severe injuries. Despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries on-site.

Contributing factors identified in the investigation included the lack of proper kickback prevention measures and insufficient use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The investigation emphasized the need for comprehensive training on the proper handling of chainsaws and the importance of using all recommended PPE, including helmets with face shields and cut-resistant clothing.