OSHA Inspection: A CUT ABOVE FORESTRY

Issued

Nov 20, 2002

Abate by

Dec 13, 2002

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,575 Reduced

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 fall hazards:
a)A Cut Above Forestry at 111 Sauterne Lane Silverthorne, CO:  On or
about August 15, 2002 employees were exposed to a fall hazard in excess of
20 feet while performing tree dropping operations.  The employee was not
properly protected when he unhooked his fall protection while reaching for
a
tree branch and fell between 20 and 30 feet to the ground sustaining
serious
hand and head injuries.
AMONG OTHER METHODS, ONE FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE
ABATEMENT METHOD TO CORRECT THIS HAZARD IS TO ENSURE
THAT EMPLOYEES ARE SECURED WITH A LANYARD
ATTACHMENT TO THE CRANE.  AMERICAN NATIONAL
STANDARDS INSTITUTE (ANSI Z133.1-2000) FOR ARBORICULTURE
OPERATIONS-PRUNING, REPAIRING, MAINTAINING, AND
REMOVING TREES, AND CUTTING BRUSH-SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 6.7.6 STATES THAT "A QUALIFIED ARBORIST MAY BE
HOISTED INTO POSITION UTILIZING THE CRANE, PROVIDED THAT
HE/SHE IS TIED IN WITH AN ARBORIST CLIMBING LINE AND
ARBORIST SADDLE AND SECURED TO A DESIGNATED ANCHOR
POINT ON THE BOOM OR THE LINE".
Abatement Note:  All elements of ANSI Z133.1-2000 shall be followed by
covered
employers.  There are non-mandatory appendices that are included in this
regulation that
should be incorporated into your comprehensive safety and health program.
Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required
for this item (see
enclosed "Sample Abatement Certification Letter").