An insurance company asked for more information regarding a
work-related accident claim. This was the response:
"I put 'poor planning' as the cause of my accident. I am
an amateur radio operator and was working on the top section of
my new 80 foot tower. When I had completed my work, I discovered
that I had, over the course of several trips up the tower, brought
up about 300 pounds of tools and spare hardware.
Rather than carry the materials down by hand, I decided to lower
the items using a pulley. Securing the rope at ground level, I
went to the top of the tower and loaded the tools into a small
barrel. Then I went back to the ground and untied the rope, holding
it tightly to ensure a slow descent of the 300 pounds of tools.
You will note in block number 11 of the accident report that I
weigh 155 pounds.
Due to my surprise of being jerked off the ground so suddenly,
I lost my presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope. I
proceeded at a rather rapid rate of speed up the side of the tower.
In the vicinity of the 40 foot level, I met the barrel coming
down. This explains my fractured skull and broken collarbone.
Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping
until the fingers of my right hand were two knuckles deep into
the pulley. I regained my presence of mind and was able to hold
onto the rope in spite of my pain. At the same time, however,
the barrel of tools hit the ground and the bottom fell out of
the barrel.
Devoid of the weight of the tools, the barrel now weighed approximately
20 pounds. I refer you again to my weight in block number 11.
As you might imagine, I began a rapid descent down the side of
the tower.
In the vicinity of the 40 foot level, I met the barrel coming
up. This accounts for the two fractured ankles, and the lacerations
of my legs and lower body. The encounter with the barrel slowed
me enough to lessen my injuries when I fell into the pile of tools.
Only three vertebrae were cracked.
I am sorry to report, however, that as I lay on the tools, in
pain, I again lost my presence of mind and let go of the rope..."
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