First Aid – Landscaping Fatality File

Fatal Incident Due to Inadequate First Aid in Landscaping  

On August 20, 2023, a fatal incident occurred at a commercial landscaping site in Phoenix, Arizona, resulting in the death of a 37-year-old worker, Alex Martinez. Martinez was operating a power tiller when it struck a hidden utility line, causing severe lacerations to his lower leg. Despite the immediate reaction of his coworkers, the site lacked proper first aid supplies and trained personnel to manage the emergency effectively.

The investigation revealed that the landscaping company did not comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations requiring adequate first aid training and supplies on-site. The delay in proper medical response led to significant blood loss, and Martinez succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.

This incident prompted the company to overhaul its safety protocols, mandating comprehensive first aid training for all employees, ensuring the availability of fully stocked first aid kits at all job sites, and establishing clear emergency response procedures. OSHA has since emphasized the importance of preparedness and compliance with first aid requirements to prevent similar tragedies in the future.