Electrical Safety – Landscaping Fatality File

Fatal Electrical Accident During Tree Trimming

On June 5, 2023, a fatal electrical accident occurred during a tree trimming operation in a residential area of Sacramento, California, resulting in the death of a 29-year-old landscaping worker, Carlos Ramirez. Ramirez was trimming branches near a power line when his metal pruning saw made contact with the live wire, leading to severe electrocution. Despite the immediate response from his coworkers and emergency services, Ramirez was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation revealed several critical lapses in safety protocols. Ramirez had not received proper training on working near electrical lines, and the site lacked appropriate warnings or barriers to prevent accidental contact with the power lines. Additionally, the landscaping company had not conducted a thorough site assessment to identify electrical hazards before beginning work.

Following this tragic incident, the landscaping company has implemented stringent electrical safety protocols, including mandatory training for all employees on recognizing and avoiding electrical hazards, conducting thorough site assessments before any work near power lines, and enforcing the use of insulated tools and protective gear when working in proximity to electrical infrastructure