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

a) 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 being struck by a falling tree, limbs or branches during tree removal operations. On or about October 9, 2012 at 575 Indian Hill Trail in Cincinnati, OH., employee(s) were exposed to being struck by falling tree limbs and branches while working below the tree cutting activities. Employee(s) were not removed from the fell pattern of the tree before the cut back was made. Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to follow American National Standard Institute, (ANSI) Z133.1 - 2006 Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations, Section 8.5 Tree Removal. Develop and implement a policy that follows the requirements outlined such as but are not limited to the following: Section 8.5.1 Before beginning any tree removal operation, the chain-saw operator and/or crew leader shall carefully consider all relevant factors pertaining to the tree and site and shall take actions to ensure a safe removal operation. The following factor(s) should be considered: (g) Location and means to protect other persons, property and electrical conductors; (h) Size and terrain characteristics or limitations or the work area. Section 8.5.2 Work plans for removal operations shall be communicated to all workers in a job briefing before commencing work. Section 8.5.4 A planned escape route shall be prepared before cutting any standing tree or trunk. Obstructions shall be cleared along the escape path. 8.5.7 The crew leader shall develop a work plan so that operations do not conflict with each other, thereby creating a hazard. Section 8.5.12 When a pull line is being used, workers involved in removing a tree or trunk shall be clear by a minimum of one tree length. Section 8.5.18 Before making 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 workers supporting removal operation. Only designated persons shall give such signals. All workers in the vicinity shall be out of range when the tree or trunk falls.