OSHA Inspection: SCHMIEDE TREE EXPERT CO.

Issued

Apr 3, 2007

Abate by

Apr 25, 2007

Penalty

Initial $1,500

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 the hazard of being struck by and crushed by tree limbs:
a- 42 Broad St., Elizabeth, NJ - Workers were exposed to crushing hazards
when the
Grove TM1300 mobile hydraulic crane, being used to lift a 23 ft. long limb
from a
yellow poplar tree, suddenly tipped over.  A job briefing coducted by a
qualified person
was not held with the work crew prior to the start of the job.  Condition
noted on or
about 10/03/06.
b- 42 Broad St., Elizabeth, NJ - Workers were exposed to crushing hazards
when the
Grove TM1300 mobile hydraulic crane, being used to lift a 23 ft. long limb
from a
yellow poplar tree, suddenly tipped over.  The weight of the load exceeded
the capacity
of the crane causing it to tip over on its side with the 173 ft. boom and
attached load
violently striking the ground.  A green log weight chart was not available
to
workers so
they could calculate the weight of tree section.  Condition noted on or
about 10/03/06.
Feasible and acceptable methods among others to correct the hazards are to:
1- Ensure that workers attend a job briefing performed by a qualified
arborist
before the start of each job.  The briefing shall follow ANSI Z133.1-2006
Safety
Requirements for Arboricultural Operations and shall include the hazards
associated
with the job, work procedures involved, special precautions, electrical
hazards, job
assignments and personal protective equipment;
2- Ensure that a green log weight chart as found in Annex E of ANSI
Z133.1-2006
Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations is available to the crew
especially
during work operations involving the use of cranes.