Workers were tasked with installing snare wires (a short length of wire used to temporarily secure or "snare" a cable, conductor, or guy wire during installation, maintenance, or repair work). As the utility worker completed their task they proceeded to climb down the pole.
As the utility worker stepped down, their right foot kicked out (gaffed out) and they slid down the pole approx. 50 feet to the ground.
Through the investigation the evidence revealed a deviation in the use of the climbing gear and that the worker naturally reacted in a way that prevented the climbing gear from choking the pole and stopping the fall. The pole choker was adjusted too large at the top of the pole. Climbing practices dictate to adjust your pole choker in intervals on the way down.
According to the manufacture guidelines of the climbing gear/pole choker, they do not have a recommendation for service/retirement life from date of manufacture. This is supported by Part 9, Section 142 (1, 2) of the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code. The manufacture dictates that end users do a thorough pre-use inspection and to immediately remove from service if any deficiencies are identified.
