Man dies after rope tangled in chipper

Eric Frei · 26th September 2010, 01:25 PM

Man dies after rope gets tangled in wood chipper

Quote:

September 25, 2010

A man trimming trees in Tampa was killed today while feeding a bundle of wood into a wood chipper, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

The incident happened at 3:30 p.m. at 12911 Golf Crest Trail.

Miguel Vargas, 44, of 8610 N. Mulberry St., Tampa, was part of a five-man crew trimming trees for Dwayne Wilson Tree Service. Vargas was at the rear of the wood chipper and feeding bundles of tree branches into the machine when he became entangled in rope that was wrapped in the branches, according to the sheriff's office.

As Vargas struggled to keep from being pulled into the wood chipper, the rope wrapped around his arm and then his neck, causing his fatal injuries, deputies said.

Vargas was not pulled into the wood chipper. A co-worker pushed the emergency stop button before that happened, deputies said.

When deputies and emergency medical personnel arrived, Vargas was pronounced dead.

James Sayers · 27th September 2010, 05:45 PM

i must thank my lucky stars i just hurt my ring finger and nothing else

Brent Ferris · 28th September 2010, 03:03 PM

I'm glad i don't use a chipper.

I have used a chipper before -- on large jobs, and used right, with lots of care - it saves a lot of time. But it is a highly dangerous machine, and I am glad I don't own one.

I am sorry the gentleman died, but by not going thru the chipper, at least the family can view him before burial, and get some closure.

Garry Brockley · 28th September 2010, 06:36 PM

Chippers are fine as long as you follow the rules:
feed from the sides.
never have branches on both sides of you when feeding.
always clear in front of the chipper to remove trip hazards.
never leave rope in the branches you are feeding.
never mess around near them they will eat you.

its a simple system but people become very blarz'e around them and forget how dangerous they are.

My condolences to the gentlemans family i can only hope the company had insurance to help them in this time of need.

27th September 2010, 05:45 PM	#2
James Sayers Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: brisbane Posts: 84	Re: Man dies after rope tangled in chipper i must thank my lucky stars i just hurt my ring finger and nothing else

28th September 2010, 03:03 PM	#3
Brent Ferris Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,557	Re: Man dies after rope tangled in chipper I'm glad i don't use a chipper. I have used a chipper before -- on large jobs, and used right, with lots of care - it saves a lot of time. But it is a highly dangerous machine, and I am glad I don't own one. I am sorry the gentleman died, but by not going thru the chipper, at least the family can view him before burial, and get some closure. __________________ My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports Consulting Forester If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too ! We do great jobs, even in small yards. Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered) Email -- treeshaveneeds@3web.com Cell 416-460-5704 Last edited by Brent Ferris; 29th September 2010 at 02:18 AM. Reason: clarity

28th September 2010, 06:36 PM	#4
Garry Brockley Bayside Tree Care Brisbane Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brisbane Aus Posts: 1,641	Re: Man dies after rope tangled in chipper Chippers are fine as long as you follow the rules: feed from the sides. never have branches on both sides of you when feeding. always clear in front of the chipper to remove trip hazards. never leave rope in the branches you are feeding. never mess around near them they will eat you. its a simple system but people become very blarz'e around them and forget how dangerous they are. My condolences to the gentlemans family i can only hope the company had insurance to help them in this time of need. __________________ My business:- Brisbane Bayside Tree Care

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