30.10.2010

Man thrown from lift

A utility worker died in Midland, Texas, on Thursday after he was thrown from the platform of the utility truck lift he was working from.

Randy Layne Gamble, 49, was employed by Suddenlink Communications and was working on overhead power lines when he fell around six metres or so to the ground. It seems he was not wearing a harness or lanyard at the time.

Investigators are unsure how he was ejected from the platform, he was lying unresponsive on the ground near the vehicle when the emergency services arrived and was pronounced dead at the scene.

OSHA is investigating

Gene Regan, director of corporate communications for Suddenlink said: "We're greatly saddened that a Suddenlink technician lost his life while on the job in Midland. We're looking into precisely what happened. In the meantime, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends."