OSHA Inspection: RAY'S TREE SERVICE

Issued

May 17, 2000

Abate by

Jun 4, 2000

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,500

General-duty citation text

29 USC 654.5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act:  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 trees and falling objects.
a/ Before each tree was felled, conditions such as, but not limited to,
the wind, the lean of
tree, dead limbs, and the location of other trees, was not evaluated by
the feller and
precautions were not taken so a hazard was not created for employees.
Each danger tree was
not felled, removed or avoided.  Each danger tree, including lodged trees
and snags, were
not felled or removed using mechanical or other techniques that minimized
employee
exposure before work commenced in the area of a danger tree. Employees
were not trained
in the procedures necessary to safely perform their work, to recognize the
safety hazards
associated with the employee's specific work tasks, and in safe work
practices
as those
required in ANSI Z133.1-1994 Annex B, or similar work practices and
procedures.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard would be for workers to follow the requirements of ANSI
Z133.1-1994 for Pruning, Trimming, Repairing, Maintaining, and Removing
Trees, and Cutting Brush - Safety Requirements, specifically Section 9.5.1
for
felling trees. 9.5.1 states, "Before beginning any felling operation, the
worker
shall carefully consider and incorporate appropriate action into the
planning of
the following: - The tree and the surrounding area including other trees
for
anything that may cause a hazardous condition; - The shape of the tree and
the
type of wood; - The lean of the tree; - Wind force and direction; -
Decayed or
other weak spots throughout the tree.  Be aware of the additional hazards
if
these conditions exist in the hinge area; - The location and the means to
protect other person, property, and all utility wires."
Dead trees and limbs under the canopy of the tree and in the potential
fall path
of the tree were not removed and or the canopy of the tree to be felled
removed to prevent injury.  Employees shall be required to follow the
requirements of the ANSI Standard Z133.1-1994 Section 9.5.1.
Employees shall be required to follow the requirements of ANSI Z133.1-1994
for Pruning, Trimming, Repairing, Maintaining, and Removing Trees, and
Cutting Brush - Safety Requirements, specifically Section 9.5. including
9.5.2
and 9/5/3 for felling trees. 9.5.2 states, "The work area shall be cleared
to
permit safe working conditions, and an escape route shall be planned before
any cutting is started."  9.5.3 states, "Each tree worker shall be
instructed as
to exactly what to do.  All workers not directly involved in the operation
shall
be kept clear of the work area, where practicable beyond the length of the
tree.
Employees shall be trained to clear the work area.  The dead ash tree that
was
close to the sycamore tree should have been removed prior to starting work
inthe sycamore tree to prevent injury.  Employees shall follow the
requirements
of ANSI Standard Z133.1-1994 Sections 9.5.2 and 95.5.3.  Annex B provides
recommended guidelines for standard performance and safety training.  It
references OSHA standards, American National Standards, and procedures that
should be used.d

Issued

May 17, 2000

Abate by

Jun 4, 2000

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $1,500

General-duty citation text

29 USC 654.5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act:  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, tripping, cuts, and
punctures.
a/  Before felling was started, the feller did not plan and clear a
retreat path.  A safe path for
egress was not cleared prior to felling a sycamore tree in a flood plain
wetland forested area.
The felling area was surrounded by other trees, broken and fallen limbs,
waste materials, and
underbrush.  Employees were not adequately trained to clear a retreat path
or
to follow safe
work practices as those required in ANSI Z133.1-1994 Annex B, or similar
work practices
and procedures.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard would be for workers to follow the requirements of ANSI
Z133.1-1994 for Pruning, Trimming, Repairing, Maintaining, and Removing
Trees, and Cutting Brush - Safety Requirements, specifically Section 9.5.8
for
felling trees.  9.5.8 states, "A planned escape route shall be prepared
before
felling any log or trunk.  The escape preferable is 45o on either side of
a line
drawn opposite the intended direction of the fall.  (The only person
permitted
in this area as the tree falls is the saw operator.)"
Employees shall follow the requirements of these procedures.
Abatement certification and abatement documentation is required for this
violation.
The documentation should include written verification of abatement,
applicable
measurements or monitoring results, and photographs or videos which you
believe
will be helpful.  The abatement certification sheet is enclosed with the
citation(s).

Issued

May 17, 2000

Abate by

May 30, 2000

Penalty

Initial $300 · Current $300