Saw a guy trimming a massive oak with a chainsaw on a rickety extension ladder in Chicago yesterday

I was driving down I-55 near Bridgeport and spotted this fella up about 25 feet on a worn out aluminum ladder, no harness, ripping through a branch that had to be 8 inches thick. The ladder was wobbling like crazy every time the saw bit in. I pulled over to yell at him to get down but he just waved me off. Has anyone else seen stuff like this and actually gotten through to the person?

2 comments

2 Comments

max_schmidt777d ago

Bet you that guy wasn't even licensed or insured. Most tree services in Chicago have to carry a million dollar liability policy for that exact kind of work. If he fell and broke his back, his homeowner's insurance would probably deny the claim since he was doing unlicensed work on a ladder that clearly wasn't rated for that height. I checked with a city inspector once and they told me any tree work over 12 feet requires a permit and a spotter on the ground. That guy was just asking for a lawsuit or a hospital visit.

abbyf797d ago

Haha yeah, that guy was basically playing lawn Jenga with his spine. Reminds me of a neighbor who tried to trim a willow with just a stepladder and a handsaw. Took three trips to urgent care and two thousand dollars in copays before he finally called a pro. Your mileage may vary of course but I bet that homeowner is still holding their breath every time they check their mailbox. Wonder if they offered him a bandaid and a juice box after he climbed down.