OSHA Inspection: W.A.L. TREE CO.

Issued

Sep 30, 1993

Abate by

Oct 5, 1993

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $750 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970:  The
employer did not
furnish 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:
(a)  On or about April 9, 1993, at North Ocean Blvd., Fort
Lauderdale, FL., employee
climbed a pine tree  secured himself and immediately made contact with
energized electrical
hazard causing him to fall backwards in his safety belt suffering hazard
of electrocution.
Among other methods, one feasable and acceptable abatement method to
correct this
hazard is:
1)  Tree workers are to be instructed that indirect contact can be
made through tree
branches, tools and equipment.
2)  Instruct tree workers that electric shock will occur when a tree
worker
either makes
direct or indirect contact with energized conductors.
3)  The employer advises system opertor owner before work is
performed in proximity
to energized conductors.
4)  An inspection shall be made by a qualified tree worker to
determine if electrical
hazard exists.
5)  Insulated equipment should be used to remove branches hanging on
conductors.
(Reference: ANSI Z-133.1-1988.) Par.412.6.
6)  All tree workers shall maintain a minimal clearance of 10 feet
from energized
conductors rated at 50 KV phase to phase.  (Reference ANSI Z-133.1-198.
Paragraph