OSHA Inspection: LEFKE TREE EXPERTS, LLC

Issued

Jul 14, 2026

Abate by

Aug 17, 2026

Penalty

Initial $2,838 · Current $0 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.    a) On or about April 15, 2026, at a jobsite located at 1378 Ridgecrest Drive, Milford, Ohio 45150, the employer failed to ensure that an employee was protected from struck-by and crushing hazards when it permitted an employee to climb a structurally compromised tree and manually cut a limb without supporting auxiliary equipment or stabilizing the limb, to prevent the recognized hazard of barber chairing. As a result, the limb barber chaired and struck the employee, resulting in a hospitalization.   Among other methods, some feasible and acceptable method to correct this hazard include, but is not limited to the following:  1)	Reposition the crane to allow for a controlled removal of the compromised tree.  2)	Stop work, reassess, and bring in additional equipment to clear the limb so the crane could be used. 3)    Comply with the applicable provisions of ANSI Z133-2026. ANSI Z133-2026, the industry consensus standard for arboricultural operations, such as but not limited to: 9.4.7, when rigging is used to shorten or remove branches, the qualified arborist must consider whether the tree can withstand the strain of the lowering procedures, and if it cannot, other means of removal must be implemented. Under 9.4.8, a rope should be attached to trees and stems greater than 5 in (12.7 cm) in diameter at breast height (DBH) being felled, to provide stabilization and/or directional pull where assisted directional felling is required. Under 3.4.6, when definite indicators of decay, weakly attached branches, or dead bark are seen, the qualified arborist must determine whether the tree can withstand the forces to be applied during the work. And under 3.4.6.1, if there is a question as to the condition of the tree relative to the task, work must not commence until a more thorough assessment can be made.