ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, November 9, 1996 TAG: 9611110099
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: RADFORD
Bartlett Tree Experts has paid a $3,500 fine - reduced from $7,000 - in connection with the December death of a worker.
Alfred Cumbee, 62, died while rappelling down an embankment to cut brush on Lynchburg Foundry property in Radford. An industrial mower ran over the rope he was using and reeled Cumbee in until he was thrown against the tractor's steel cab.
Cumbee was pronounced dead on arrival at Carilion Radford Community Hospital.
On June 10, the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health division issued a "serious violation" citation against Bartlett Tree Experts in Roanoke.
The citation said the employer failed to provide a safe work environment "in that an employer management representative instructed the bushhog operator to conduct bushhog operations in proximity to brush clearing operations exposing a groundsman to hazards of contact with equipment and flying objects and [the tractor] was operated in close proximity and allowed to contact a positioning rope attached to an employee."
The company contested the citation and its $7,000 fine. A settlement was reached last month, state records show.
As part of the settlement, Bartlett Tree Experts did not admit any violation of VOSH rules and agreed to the $3,500 only to avoid further legal action and expense, according to the records.
- STAFF
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines KEYWORDS: FATALITYby CNB