OSHA Inspection: APP TREE INC.

Issued

Jan 28, 2010

Abate by

Mar 17, 2010

Penalty

Initial $1,500 · Current $750 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:a serious fall hazard while climbing the limbs of a tree
that had not been
adequately inspected for tree defects on or about 12/04/09 at 85 Center
Street,Burlington, Ma.
ABATEMENT NOTE: One feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct
this hazard to
use tools to help detect and characterize defect in trees and require that
safe working practices
be observed including a job briefing, work procedure and assignment be
worked out carefully
before any tree job is begun.The ANSI Z133.1-2006 Safety requirements for
arboricultural
operations states in 8.5.1 that "Before beginning any tree removal
operation, the chain saw
operator and or crew leader shall carefully consider all relevant factors
pertaining
to the tree and
site and shall take appropriate actions to ensure a safe removal
operation. The following factors
should be considered: (f) decayed or weak spots throughout the tree ( be
aware of additional
hazards if these conditions exist in the hinge area.)"
Location: Tree in front yard at 85 Center Street, Burlington, MA - next to
driveway:
On or about 12/04/09, an employee was exposed to a fall hazard while
climbing and
trimming the limb of a tree that had serious defects.