Abstract: The owner of a tree felling company and Employee #1 were working on the side to fell a dead gum tree located in a homeowner's front yard. The tree had a substantial back lean that prevented felling the tree with a ground cut. The tree was approximately 50 ft high and was at least 54 inches in circumference. Employee #1 climbed the tree to the 50 ft level and removed 2 dead limbs. He then attached a pull rope and lowered himself to approximately the 35 ft level. He made a notch cut with a chain saw and began to make a back cut while the owner was exerting force on the pull rope. The tree broke off at ground level and Employee #1 fell to the ground with the tree and died.