Man Killed Decorating For Christmas

A former high school marching band director died after falling off a ladder while putting up a Christmas wreath. Charles Temple, 69, suffered head and chest trauma in the fall, according to the county coroner’s report.

“He fell from a ladder,” the police chief said. “We’re not sure yet whether the ladder failed or he slipped. It was on the top of the garage. His wife and granddaughter were home at the time.”

“He was a wonderful person,” said a neighbor. “Christmas was his favorite time of the year. He was excited about the decorating part.”

Temple had five children and six grandchildren.

Any time you work with ladders, take a moment to be sure that:

    • The ladder is right for the job (never use an aluminum ladder when working with electricity, for example).

 

    • The ladder is right for the job (never use an aluminum ladder when working with electricity, for example).

 

  • Rungs and rails are straight and solid. Don’t use ladders with dents or with bent, loose or twisted rungs or rails. Never use a wooden or fiberglass ladder that looks splintered anywhere.

 

Safety doesn’t end with the workday. Take your safety experience and knowledge home, and put it to good use.

Source: The Independent, Massillon, Ohio, November 6, 2006