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

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: 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 the hazard of falling trees: (a)On September 25, 1998 the Link Belt swing yarder's guyline was anchored to a standing tree. The tree was approximately 80 feet tall, putting it within striking distance of the work area. The haul road was 20 feet away and the yarder that was 27 feet away. When stress was applied to the anchor tree it uprooted and fell into the haul road striking an employee. The employees were exposed to the hazard of falling trees. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method is to fall the trees that are to be used for guyline anchors and anchor to the stump. Note: Abatement certification required for this item.