Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard:

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to struck-by hazards from tree removal operations: Location - 37 Greenwood Street, Wakefield, MA: (a) On or about December 12, 2019, employees performing tree felling were exposed to struck by hazards from an uncontrolled felled tree, which was cut with a chain saw during an inadequate directional felling operation. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable abatement methods include: Ensure employees follow the rigging practices set forth in section 8.5.4. Careful consideration shall be given to the potential for additional forces resulting from the influences of rigging design, rope angles, and the number of lines and/or line parts that will act on any rigging or anchor point. Have a qualified arborist consider all aspects of tree felling at the start of the job in accordance with Section 8.6.1 of ANSI Z133-2017, Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations. Before beginning any tree removal operation, the chain saw operator and/or crew leader shall carefully consider relevant factors pertaining to the tree and site and shall take appropriate actions to ensure a safe removal operation. Ensure as a qualified arborist to follow the practices set forth in section 8.6.2. The crew leader shall assess the number of workers necessary for the tree removal operations, develop a tree removal work plan, and communicate the work plan and job task assignments in a job briefing with the crew prior to beginning the tree removal work. Ensure all workers are at a distance of at least one-and-a-half times the height of the tree being removed in accordance with section 8.6.4 of ANSI Z133-2017, Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations. Ensure that employees follow the practices set forth in section 8.6.8. When there is a risk of damage to property from a tree piece or tree falling in an unintended direction, rope(s), block and tackle, come-alongs/winches, wire cable (except where an electrical hazard exists), or other appropriate devices shall be used to control the direction of the fall. Ensure that employees follow the practices set forth section 8.6.10. All equipment used for tree removal operations shall be in good working condition. Tree removal equipment and its connecting links shall be inspected immediately before use and removed from service if found to be defective, damaged, or overloaded. Have a qualified arborist ensure that trees are cut with a notch at least a 45-degrees or larger in accordance with Section 8.6.13 of ANSI Z133-2017, Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations. Have a qualified arborist ensure that steps are taken to ensure that the tree trunk does not split suddenly in accordance with Section 8.6.14 of ANSI Z133-2017, Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations.