ELEVATED TANK SERVICE INC

FALL FROM WATER TOWER

EMPLOYEE #1 WAS SPRAY PAINTING A WATER TOWER FROM A BOATSWAINS CHAIR AT APPROXIM ATELY 116 FT ABOVE THE GROUND. EMPLOYEE #1 WAS NOT WEARING A LIFE LINE AND BELT NOR WAS THE ATTACHMENT HOOK SECURELY FASTENED TO THE STRUCTURE. THE ATTACHMENT H OOK HAD BEEN PLACED ON THE TOP RIDGE OF THE CLIMBING CAGE (WHICH IS NOT A COMPLE TE CIRCLE). THE HOOK WORKED IT'S WAY OVER THE EDGE AS THE EMPLOYEE WAS PAINTING AND CAME OFF, RESULTING IN THE EMPLOYEE FALLING TO HIS DEATH. IN THE POLICE REPO RT THE EMPLOYER STATED THAT THEY HAD SAFETY ROPES IN THE TRUCK, BUT IT WAS LEFT UP TO THE EMPLOYEES TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO USE THEM. ROPES WERE NOT BEING U SED AT THE TIME OF THIS ACCIDENT.