Tower accidents more common than realized
11:49 a.m. Friday, July 13, 2007
The death of two communications tower climbers Tuesday in Douglas County offers new insight into a dangerous industry few know about.
The men fell as far as 800 feet to their deaths, and these types of accidents are not as uncommon as you might suspect.
You might be surprised by just how few requirements there are to get a job as a tower climber.
49 News caught up with this man, Corey Schirmer, who demonstrated one method of climbing.
The men who died Tuesday were using the basket-hoist method, one Schirmer says he feels unsafe using.
While we don't know what caused Tuesday's fall, these accidents happen often.
In the last two weeks at least three other tower climbers have died nationwide.
Schirmer says part of the problem is high demand for fearless climbers in a booming telecommunications industry.
"I felt overworked sometimes, there were times when I didn't feel it was safe to work but you've got to get it done, so you get there and do it." said Corey Schirmer, Former Tower Climber.
Schirmer says in many jobs there is no prior experience required, and says he didn't need any sort of state license and much of his training was on the job.
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