String Trimmers (Weed Whips) and Edgers – Landscaping Fatality File

Fatal Accident Involving a String Trimmer Occurred at A Residential Landscaping

On August 25, 2023, a fatal accident involving a string trimmer occurred at a residential landscaping project in Dallas, Texas, resulting in the death of a 38-year-old landscaping worker, James Carter. Carter was using a gas-powered string trimmer to edge the lawn of a residential property when the incident occurred.

According to the investigation, Carter was trimming near a flower bed when the trimmer head struck a concealed rock, causing it to recoil violently. The force of the recoil caused him to lose balance and fall onto a sharp metal garden stake, leading to severe injuries. Despite immediate medical attention from his coworkers and emergency services, Carter succumbed to his injuries on-site.

The investigation revealed several contributing factors, including the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety goggles and gloves, and inadequate training on the safe operation of string trimmers. Following this incident, the landscaping company has introduced stricter safety protocols, including mandatory PPE for all workers and comprehensive training sessions focused on the proper use of landscaping equipment and awareness of potential hazards.