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Leaf Blowers – Landscaping Fatality File

Fatal Leaf Blower Accident During Landscaping – June 2023 Incident Report

On June 10, 2023, a tragic accident involving a leaf blower occurred in Seattle, Washington, resulting in the death of a 34-year-old landscaping worker, Alex Thompson. Thompson was using a gas-powered backpack leaf blower to clear debris from a residential property when the accident happened.

According to the investigation, Thompson was working near a steep embankment when he lost his footing and fell, causing the leaf blower to become entangled. The heavy machine pinned him against the embankment, leading to severe injuries. Despite the immediate efforts of his coworkers and emergency services, Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation identified several contributing factors, including the lack of proper safety measures for working on uneven terrain and the absence of a coworker to assist in case of emergencies. Following this incident, the landscaping company has introduced stricter safety protocols, including mandatory buddy systems for tasks on difficult terrain and comprehensive training on the safe use of heavy equipment.