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 getting struck by a falling tree during manual tree felling operations: (a) 3940 Linglestown Road Harrisburg, PA - The employer failed to ensure that employees placed proper notches in trees that were being felled. The pine tree was approximately 52 feet in height and approximately 26 inches in circumference. A conventional notch was cut in at the bottom approximately 26 inches from the ground and approximately 8 inches deep, at an approximately 50 to 60 degree angle. The back cut was approximately 1 inch higher than the horizontal front cut and penetrated through the tree, leaving an inadequate amount of hinge wood and causing the tree to fall in an unexpected direction. The tree struck an employee resulting in his death, on or about March 18, 2013. Abatement certification and documentation required within 10 days after abatement date. The certification shall include a statement that abatement is complete, the date and method of abatement, and state that employees and their representatives were informed of this abatement. Abatement documentation shall include documents demonstrating that abatement is complete, such as evidence of the purchase or repair of equipment, photographic or video evidence of abatement or other written records.