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

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 involved in the tree-trimming and removal process were exposed to serious injuries including death by being struck-by a falling tree because the fall zone was not monitored and kept clear. a.) At the worksite, 2715 SW 5th Avenue, Cape Coral, FL 33919, employees did not follow the safety standards for tree removal set forth in "ANSI Z133.1-200" for Arborcultural Operations. Abatement Note(s): Feasible and acceptable abatement methods include the following the safety guidelines outlined in ANSI Z133.1-200, such as: 9.5.6 Workers not directly involved in the removal operation shall be clear of the work area where practicable beyond the length of the tree unless a team of employees is necessary to remove a particular tree. 9.5.7 Workers returning to the work area shall not enter until the chain saw operator has acknowledged that it is safe to do so. 9.5.12 Workers not directly involved in manual land-clearing operations shall be at least two tree lengths away from the tree or trunk being dropped. 9.5.17 Before commencing the back cut there shall be a command such as "stand clear" from the arborist operating the chain saw and a response such as "all clear" from the workers supporting the removal operation. Pre-arranged, two-way hand signals may also be used. Only designated persons shall give such signals. All workers in the vicinity shall be out of range when the tree or trunk falls. Visual contact should be maintained with the tree or trunk until it is on the ground.