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 who were performing tree trimming and removal, such as struck by hazards from falling limbs. A job briefing was not performed by the qualified arborist in charge before the start of each job to all affected workers: The employer is failing to protect employees from struck by hazards from falling limbs and debris while felling trees. The most recent occurrence was on or about August 10, at the jobsite located at 3903 Deerfoot Way, Columbia, MO, when an employee felling a tree was struck by a dead limb that fell from the tree. Among other methods, feasible and acceptable means of hazard abatement include: Ensure compliance with ANSI Z133.1-2006 for Arboricultural Operations Safety Requirements, 3.1.4 A job briefing shall be performed by the qualified arborist in charge before the start of each job. The briefing shall be communicated to all affected workers. Ensure compliance with ANSI Z133.1-2006 for Arboricultural Operations Safety Requirements, 8.5.1, and 8.5. 2: regarding Tree Removal. 8.5.1: Before 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 appropriate actions to ensure a safe removal operation. The following factors should be considered: a) the area surrounding the tree to be removed, including nearby trees; b) species and shape of the tree; c) lean of the tree; d) loose limbs, chunks, or other overhead material; e) wind force and direction; f) decayed or weak spots throughout the tree (be aware of additional hazards if these conditions exist in the hinge area); g) location and means to protect other persons, property, and electrical conductors; h) size and terrain characteristics or limitations of the work area; and i) evidence of bees or wildlife habitation in the tree. 8.5.2 Work plans for removal operations shall be communicated to all workers in a job briefing before commencing work.