16.08.2019

Work at height fatality

A school maintenance man died on Wednesday after a fall while using an aerial work platform to paint the outside of the building near the roof line at the at Westview High School in Beaverton, Portland, Oregon. He is the third man to die in the city from a fall while using a work platform. See Boom lift fatality

The man was working at a height of around seven metres or so when he fell, however the exact details are confused. The fire and rescue department originally said that he had been working on the roof when he fell. Later reports said that he was in a scissor lift that overturned. And then a local TV news station, purportedly reporting from outside the school yard, showed a small articulated boom lift with its platform raised close to the roof line, suggesting that the man, Jerry Syverson, may well have climbed out of the platform onto the roof, and fell from there as originally reported, or fell from the boom lift basket while doing so? There were no witnesses. Osha is apparently investigating

The man sadly passed away while being treated at the scene.

The school released the following statement: “It is with great sadness that I share with you the loss of a valued member of the BSD staff on Wednesday afternoon. Jerry Syverson, a four year employee with the maintenance department, died as a result of injuries from a fall at Westview High School.”

“The Beaverton School District is working to support the family in this time of loss. We are also providing counselling support to staff members who worked closely with Jerry.”

“We want to thank the first responders from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for responding so quickly and supporting staff members at the school. The accident is being investigated by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, OSHA and the Beaverton School District.”

“We appreciate your support and understanding through this difficult time.”
Superintendent Don Grotting