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 fall hazards: a)A Cut Above Forestry at 111 Sauterne Lane Silverthorne, CO: On or about August 15, 2002 employees were exposed to a fall hazard in excess of 20 feet while performing tree dropping operations. The employee was not properly protected when he unhooked his fall protection while reaching for a tree branch and fell between 20 and 30 feet to the ground sustaining serious hand and head injuries. AMONG OTHER METHODS, ONE FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE ABATEMENT METHOD TO CORRECT THIS HAZARD IS TO ENSURE THAT EMPLOYEES ARE SECURED WITH A LANYARD ATTACHMENT TO THE CRANE. AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE (ANSI Z133.1-2000) FOR ARBORICULTURE OPERATIONS-PRUNING, REPAIRING, MAINTAINING, AND REMOVING TREES, AND CUTTING BRUSH-SAFETY REQUIREMENTS SECTION 6.7.6 STATES THAT "A QUALIFIED ARBORIST MAY BE HOISTED INTO POSITION UTILIZING THE CRANE, PROVIDED THAT HE/SHE IS TIED IN WITH AN ARBORIST CLIMBING LINE AND ARBORIST SADDLE AND SECURED TO A DESIGNATED ANCHOR POINT ON THE BOOM OR THE LINE". Abatement Note: All elements of ANSI Z133.1-2000 shall be followed by covered employers. There are non-mandatory appendices that are included in this regulation that should be incorporated into your comprehensive safety and health program. Abatement Note: Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (see enclosed "Sample Abatement Certification Letter").