# Fractures (except skull fractures) and concussions at Vail Resorts
> OSHA SIR `20171110620` · 11/4/2017 · BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO
## Severity
- **1 hospitalization**
- **Body part:** Head and trunk
- **Nature of injury:** Fractures (except skull fractures) and concussions
## Cause
- **Event:** Other fall to lower level 26 to 30 feet
- **Source:** Ski lifts, gondola rides
- **Secondary source:** Protective equipment, except clothing, n.e.c.
## Employer
- **Name:** Vail Resorts
- **Location:** 1599C Summit County Road 3, BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO, 80424
- **NAICS:** 713920
- **Jurisdiction:** 1
## Narrative

An employee was performing a self-rescue drill from a ski lift chair. While belaying down using rock climbing/mountaineering skills and equipment, the employee's equipment allowed him to rapidly slide down his rope over 15 to 30 feet to the bare ground under the chair. He suffered two fractured ribs, lumbar spine fractures (vertebrae 1-5), a mild concussion, and a blistered and rope-burned right hand.

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*Source: [OSHA Severe Injury Reports](https://www.osha.gov/severe-injury-reports) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*