Mount Clemens, MI : Westland man killed in tree trimming accident in Warren on Monday, 19th September 2016

A 46-year-old journeyman tree trimmer was killed when he fell approximately 35 feet while working on a tree in Warren, according to local and state officials.

The tree trimmer was cutting down branches near utility power lines about 1:30 p.m. Monday on the 13600 block of Martin Road near Schoenherr Road when the incident occurred, said Warren police Detective Sgt. Stephen Mills.

“It looks like the harness ropes they wear to hold themselves up in the tree became untied and he fell,” Mills said. “It was very tragic for the poor guy.”

Police said a co-worker who was on the ground at the time told investigators he heard a loud thud and turned to see the trimmer on the ground

The trimmer was treated at the scene by Warren Fire EMS and transported to St. John Hospital & Medical Center in Detroit where he was declared dead in the emergency room, said Warren Fire Commissioner Skip McAdams.

“It was a bad situation,” McAdams said. “Our guys did everything they could to save him, but he became unresponsive.”

DTE Energy contracts tree trimmers from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 17 in Southfield to perform the work.

Stephanie Beres, a spokeswoman for the utility issued a statement that read:

“We were saddened to learn of a tragic accident Monday afternoon involving one of our contractors during a routine tree trimming job. The safety of our employees – including our supplier family – is our number one priority at all times. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family during his difficult time.”

Co-workers identified the victim as Brian Kellerman of Westland, a 20-year industry veteran and the father of a two daughters, 22 and 26 years old, respectively. He worked for Kappan Tree Service in Caro.

“This incident should put the public’s attention on how dangerous this job really is,” said Charles Clear, an employee of Ashland Tree Service. “We put our lives on the line every day. Everyone is devastated This is the first fatality we’ve had around here since I can remember.”

This was the 26th worker death of 2016, according to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MiOSHA).

There have been about 580 people die in tree trimming accidents from 2009 through 2015, according to figures from the Tree Care Industry Association.

Source :
Westland man killed in tree trimming accident in Warren