OSHA Inspection: ASPLUNDH TREE EXPERT CO.

Issued

Jan 23, 2009

Abate by

Feb 11, 2009

Penalty

Initial $2,250 · Current $2,250

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 hazards of:
a) On or about August 5, 2008 at or near the intersections of Bradshaw and
River Plantation
Drive, employees were exposed to the hazard of being struck by flying
objects by standing in
the path of a tree that was connected to the winch line of the Vermeer
BC1800XL brush chipper
with the feed rollers engaged. The winch line became entangled in the 1000
RPM cutting drum,
pulling the tree at a high velocity over 40 feet, striking the two
employees. Among other
methods of abatement, feasible and useful, one method to abate this hazard
would be to ensure
the following safeguards are instituted: 1) All brush chipper operators
are properly trained using
the manufacturer's operating manual. 2) Employee's are standing clear of
the winch line and
work area when the machine is in operation. 3) Proper rigging assembly is
used to secure
materials to the end of the winch line. 4) Brush or branches do not snag
winch line and pull it
into the cutting drum.