OSHA Inspection: TANTUM'S TREE REMOVAL LLC

Issued

2020-10-27 00:00:00

Abate by

2020-11-06 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4048.00 · Current $3643.00 Reduced

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 entanglement and struck-by-hazards.   a) Employees were exposed to entanglement and struck-by hazards while using a Vemeer Brush Chipper Model #BC1800XL during tree removal operations.  The employer did not take steps to ensure that the ropes used to lower cut limbs were kept clear of the chipper area.  A rope got caught in a branch being fed into the chipper.  When the rope reached the chipper feed it was rapidly pulled in causing the employee to be thrown up against the chipper which resulted in a fatality.  Observed on or about May 6, 2020.     NOTE: IN ADDITION TO ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION, THE EMPLOYER IS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION FOR THIS ITEM. FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN AN ADDITIONAL PENALTY OF $1000.00 IN ACCORDANCE WITH 29 CFR 1903.19.