Retired gardener died after fall from tree

[Stuart A-C]

Retired gardener died after fall from tree

Friday, December 12, 2008, 11:08

Comment on this story

 

A RETIRED gardener died after falling 20ft from a ladder while trimming a tree in Holsworthy.

Lawrence Denner, 65, sustained multiple injuries in the fall on March 24.

He was airlifted to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth but died two days later.

An inquest in Barnstaple heard Mr Denner was working at a property in the town called Overdale on North Road.

The house belongs to local butcher, Terence Skinner.

a statement he said: "Lawrence would often come round for a cup of tea and would often help with the garden."

He said there are two large Beech trees at the front of the property and on March 24 he arranged for Mr Denner to take the top off the trees.

He was using a heavy duty triple extension ladder tied to the tree but was having trouble with his chainsaw.

Neighbour Michael Weeks saw Mr Denner trimming the trees.

He was keen to have any unwanted logs and offered to lend Mr Denner his chainsaw.

In a statement, Mr Weeks, said: "I was holding the ladder but it was difficult to see what he was doing as sawdust was falling on my face."

Mr Weeks said the ladder twisted, he saw Mr Denner move and realised he was falling. He tried to catch him but he landed on the road.

He added: "Lawrence was very careful with the chainsaw and appeared to know what he was doing. I do not know what caused the ladder to move."

Coroner Darren Salter recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Mr Denner was a single man from Week St Mary near Holsworthy.

His family described him as a gentle giant who would do anything for anyone.

[Frank]

A sad story indeed. My sympathys go to all family and friends. This chap appears to have been a real "have-a-go charlie" and would more than likely have attempted to do anything for anyone. He was probably more than capable of doing most things aswell. Unfortunatley accidents do happen, especially when working at heights or with power machinery. just another reason why we go to great lengths to train for our chosen career paths and pay attention to current HSE guidelines. (they are there for us).

If only there was more public awareness of the serious dangers of working with trees without the correct competency. maybe a tv commercial of the "hit me at 40", "hit me at 30" type of genre??????? with some graphic images might make people realise that tree work is a specialist operation (most of the time) and should be treated as such.

We all know the dangers of gas and electricity which is why when we need work doing we look in the big yellow book for a registered sparky or gas fitter.

 

 

Once again my condolences to the guys family. I know full well that if I hadnt followed in this path, I wouldn't know the risks, and i would probably gladly help someone by either footing the ladder or going up the tree. All down to ignorance and lack of legislation.

When was the last time you saw rogue traders doing an item on non british standard pruning cuts that may make a tree dangerous in the future, or non insured, non qualified "arbs" trading as such. NEVER

Edited December 13, 2008 by Frank
spelling

[Andy Collins]

A very poignant reminder of the fragility of life, and such a waste of someone who obviously loved to help others. Lets not cut any corners ourselves and add to the statistics.

[Yorkshireman]

very sad but preventable

 

65 & up a ladder with a chainsaw ....... tie the ladders to the tree but not yourself ?