County Worker Trapped Under Mower In Ditch

July 27, 2011

An Escambia County employee was seriously injured Tuesday when a mower overturned on him, trapping him in a deep ditch.

Jerry W. Milam was mowing high grass and weeds on the shoulder of Olive Road about 9 a.m. when he did not see a ditch. The mower fell about 15 feet into the ditch, struck a culvert and trapped the 64-year old underneath.

A pedestrian discovered the accident early Tuesday afternoon, several hours after Milam became trapped. It took rescue workers several minutes to free Milam from the ditch. He was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he was listed in serious condition.

Comments

8 Responses to “County Worker Trapped Under Mower In Ditch”

  1. dnutjob on August 19th, 2011 3:31 pm

    Mr. Milam has succumbed to his injuries. R.I.P Jerry, you will be missed.

  2. Polythenepam on July 28th, 2011 10:42 pm

    When its the difference between money spent and an employee’s safety there is no difference between the county and any other employer. Common sense if not OSHA and various other guidelines for safe work practices should be applicable. As bad as unemployment is they could hire more people , but that would mean they have to spend some money. I know I have some radical ideas but it would be great to have me for “Queen for a Day”, things like this wouldn’t happen. Money would get spent for education and for bettering our community instead of going to the politicians, insurance companies and other big money interests that still don’t bring jobs with decent wages and working conditions to our area.

  3. Bogia on July 28th, 2011 4:16 pm

    @Polythenepam: they are working for the county! Do you think they will pay for employees to work as a team when they can work by themselves. Our county administrators are cutting everything back because of budget issues!! Everything is about money….not safety!!! I agree with you 100%. It is tragic that this happened. We are praying for him for a full recovery. God is good all the time!

  4. christine on July 28th, 2011 10:33 am

    im glad to here someone finally noticed. I will b praying for him. Them things are dangerous. Dude im praying for u. Get well soon

  5. Polythenepam on July 28th, 2011 9:11 am

    @ Mickey> Got a “near miss” too if you read the article on the downed power pole….

  6. mickey Powell on July 28th, 2011 6:33 am

    No JSA?
    No QHSE person?

    Mickey Powell
    Flomaton

  7. Polythenepam on July 27th, 2011 9:49 pm

    So glad someone found this gentleman. How come these mower people aren’t sent out in pairs? Safety in numbers, the buddy system, supervision checking up on what his/her crew is doing? Seems like a serious safety issue going on here.
    Several hours in a ditch? How about a radio on personnel who aren’t paired up with someone. What about supervision going over the dangers of areas expected to be mowed on a particular day, or better yet how about posts to keep people on mowers out of holes. Let the road gang use weed wackers and slingblades on those areas.
    Will say a prayer for Mr. Milam……

  8. retha on July 27th, 2011 5:09 pm

    all county employees are praying for you and your family.get well jerry and hang in there.it was such a bad accident and we are pulling for you.