OSHA Inspection: THE F.A. BARTLETT TREE EXPERT COMPANY

Issued

Sep 19, 2003

Abate by

Sep 24, 2003

Penalty

Initial $6,300

General-duty citation text

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 a fall hazard:
a.On or about May 1, 2003, an employee was cutting a secondary stem from a
Post
Oak with a chain saw when he cut his single supporting line and fell
approximately 30 to 35 feet to the ground. The employee did not use a
second
point of attachment when operating a chain saw in a tree.
Among other methods, one feasible means of abatement would be:
According to The American National Stardards Institute Z133.1, section
7.2.8,
arborists shall use a second point of attachment (work positioning lanyard
or
double-crotched rope) when operating a chain saw in a tree, unless the
employer
demonstrates that a greater hazard is posed by using a second point of
attachment
while operating chain saws in that particular situation.
ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS NOT REQUIRED.