OSHA Inspection: DEWEES TREE SERVICE

Issued

Mar 15, 2017

Abate by

May 1, 2017

Penalty

Initial $3,803 · Current $3,803

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): 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 and struck-by hazards in tree removal operations.  On or about November 3, 2016 at a jobsite located at 5556 Ansteatt Road, Batavia, Ohio the employer did not conduct an assessment to determine the extent of tree decay for three ash trees scheduled for removal prior to a worker climbing the ash trees. Employees were exposed to hazards of a fall from the decayed ash tree and of being struck-by the falling decayed limbs and trunk while engaged in tree removal activities.  Among other methods, a feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to follow the national consensus standard guidelines of the American National Standard for Arboriculture Operations - Safety Requirements, Section 8.5 Tree Removal as applicable. Before beginning any tree removal activity, consider all relevant forces pertaining to the condition of the tree and site and take appropriate actions to ensure a safe removal operation.   Develop and implement a policy that follows the requirements outlined; such as but not limited to the following:  Section 3.3 Emergency Procedures and Readiness...  Section 8.0 Work Procedures...  Section 8.4 Rigging...  Section 8.5 Tree Removal...  Annex C.3 Manual Tree Felling Procedure...