I robbed this from another forum,Mully probably knows where. But anyway here goes.
I am writing this in response to your request for"additional information." In block 30 of the accident report form, I put"poor planning" as the cause of my accident. You said in your last letter that I should explain more fully. I trust that the following detail will be sufficient.
I am a amateur radio operator. On the day in question,I was working alone on the top section of my new 80` tower. When I completed my work,I discovered that I had, over the course of several trips up the tower, brought about 300lbs. of tools and spare hardware, with me along my journey.Rather than carry the now unneeded tools and supplies down by hand. I decided to lower them down using a pulley that was attacthed to the top of the tower. Securing the rope at ground level, I went up to the top of the tower and loaded the tools and unused parts into the barrel. Then I went back to the ground and untied the rope, holding it tighty to insure a slow desent of the300lbs. of tools.
You will note in block 11 of the accident report that I weigh 155lbs. Due to my sudden surprise of being jerked off the ground I LOST MY PRESENCE OF MIND AND FORGOT TO LET GO OF THE ROPE. Needless to say, I proceeded at a rapid rate up the side of the tower. In the vicinity of the 40` mark I meet the barrel coming down. This explains my fractured scull and broken clavical.
Slowed only slighty,I continued my rabid ascent, not stopping untlil the fingers of my right hand were 2 knuckles deep into the pulley. Fortunately by this time I had regained my presence of mind and was able to hold onto the rope. At about the same time however the barrel hit the ground. Devoid of the weight of the tools, the barrel now weighed 20lbs.
I refer you again to my weight in block #11. As you might guess, I began a rapid descent down the side of the tower. In the vicinity of the 40` level I met the barrel coming up.This accounts for my 2 fractured ankles and the lacerations on my lower legs and lower body.
The encounter with the barrel slowed me down just enough to lesson my injuries when I fell into the pile of tools, and fortunatly only 3 vertebra were cracked. I am sorry to report however that as I lay there on the tools in pain, unable to stand, and watching the empty barrel 80` above my head,I again lost the presence of mind and I let go of the ROPE.
Mike
