6 replies to this topic

[Peter]

Crystal Mountain worker dies in fall

02:05 PM PDT on Thursday, August 31, 2006

KING5.com

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, Wash. – A ski resort worker died after he fell from a lift Thursday morning.

The deceased was a sub-contractor who was painting the ski lifts. He was at the Rainier Express lift in a basket but somehow was knocked out of it and fell about 40 feet, said Crystal Mountain manager Scott Bowen.

When other workers found him he was conscious but then he stopped breathing. They performed CPR but he died around 10 a.m., Bowen said.

The man was said to be a 40-year-old Kent resident.

This post has been edited by Skier: 31 August 2006 - 03:55 PM

[Peter]

I just watched the 5:00 news and saw more info. It looks like it happened about 3 towers down from the top of Rainier Express. They had the sherrif's department investigating and it will be turned over to the department of labor and industry as a workplace accident.

[Limelight]

Thats terrible news. Wonder how he fell.

[Kicking Horse]

Do you guys have to wear Harnesses when in a basket on a lift line?

[mikest2]

Kicking Horse, on Aug 31 2006, 07:56 PM, said:

Do you guys have to wear Harnesses when in a basket on a lift line?

We do because we chose to. We update our work carrier procedures every year, with input from all involved. Long ago we made it mandatory. I stress WE because safety is all about ownership of your program. To have one that really works and everyone will buy into, you have to involve all those affected in it's development AND it's maintenance. Also..............don't buy a p.o.s. $75.00 harness, buy something that fits and is really comfortable. If anything gets damaged in the least, destroy it and replace it. Price is not an issue. We use the DBI exofit but Miller has some real nice stuff now too.

I am greatly saddened by the loss of one of our own.

[Peter]

Here is video coverage of the accident:

http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_...L.541182d4.html

The Pierce County medical examiner's office identified him as Randy Reeves, 39, hometown unavailable.

This post has been edited by Skier: 31 August 2006 - 09:17 PM

[LiftTech]

In the ski industry in the United States you’re required by OSHA to be tied off 100% of the time while working at heights. Ski lift tower ladders do have an exception to OSHA standards. Wet paint is slippery.