OSHA Inspection: TREE WISE MEN LLC

Issued

Jul 14, 2022

Abate by

Jul 28, 2022

Penalty

Initial $5,801 · Current $9,945

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1):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 was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to: electrocution and struck by hazards caused by the use of an articulating boom crane to lift tree sections at a job site with live overhead power lines in the area.  a)a) On or about March 1, 2022, at the previously addressed job site, employees were exposed to struck by and struck against hazards while a truck mounted PM-44 articulating boom crane outfitted with a KRPAN 60-inch log grapple was being used to move tree sections. The truck mounted crane was equipped with a Krpan log grapple (hook) which had a sling attached to it for lifting tree sections. Before lifting a cut tree section away from the standing tree, the grapple and sling were not brought over the tree section being lifted to minimize swinging. Additionally, when lifting the tree section, care was not taken to ensure there was no sudden acceleration or deceleration of the moving load.   Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable means of abatement includes, but is not limited to, complying with the requirements found in ASME B30.22 - 2016  Articulating Boom Cranes - Safety Standard for Cableways, Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Hooks, Jacks, and Slings.   Specifically section 22.3.2.5: "Moving the Load" which states: (a)Before starting to lift, the hook shall be brought over the load in such a manner as to minimize swinging. (b) Ensure the load is well secured and balanced in the sling or lifting device by lifting the load a few inches (several centimeters) and then stopping and letting the rigger visually check the lifted load for proper balance and secure rigging. (c) During lifting, care shall be taken that (1) there is no sudden acceleration or deceleration of the moving load (2) load, boom, or other parts of the crane do not contact any obstruction respectively ensuring that the grapple and sling is brought over the tree section that is lifted and care is taken to ensure there is no sudden acceleration or deceleration of the moving tree section(s).

Issued

Jul 14, 2022

Abate by

Jul 28, 2022

Penalty

Initial $4,144 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.333(c)(3):When work was to be performed near overhead lines, the lines were not deenergized and grounded, nor were other protective measures provided before work was started.  a) On or about March 1, 2022, at the previously addressed job site,  a tree trimming crew was cutting tree sections from a standing tree and lowering the tree sections to the ground while operating an aerial bucket lift and an articulating knuckleboom crane both positioned underneath live over head powerlines. The tree sections being cut were 30 feet and longer in length and the work (tree line) was done near (20-30 feet from) live overhead power transmission lines.  A cut tree section struck a live overhead power line and the line fell to the ground in the area of an employee who was electrocuted as a result.