IDENTIFIED BUT IGNORED HAZARD INJURES WOODS WORKER

June 2001
01-S-20

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BACKGROUND: A chain saw operator was felling timber in the South around noon on a clear day in May.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: The chain saw operator was 40 years old, was fully trained, and had been with the logging company for one year. He had had no previous accidents during his employment and was wearing personal protective equipment that day.

UNSAFE ACT OR CONDITION: A large dead pine limb was observed "hung" in a tree. However, felling operations in the area continued without precautions being taken. About an hour later, the chain saw operator felled another tree, near the hazard, and began delimbing it.

ACCIDENT: The limb suddenly fell and hit the operator on the side of his head. He did not hear or react to a shouted warning from another worker in the area.

INJURY: The limb hit the side of the worker's head around the ear and eye area. Although the hardhat minimized the severity of his injuries, he still required medical attention and lost time at work.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORRECTION:

• Fellers should be fully trained for their work, and training should include safe procedures for treating hung trees and limbs. Employers should verify and document the skills of employees.
• Observe your work area. Always look up into and around the tree to be felled to identify potential hazards, such as broken tops or limbs.
• No work should take place within two treelengths of hung trees or danger trees until they are rendered safe.
• Immediately upon observing a hazard, warn others of the unsafe condition by tying strips of high-visibility "killer tree" flagging around the area. Summon a skidder and allow it to dislodge a hung limb. Do not resume work in the area until the hazard is removed.

Forest Resources Association Inc.
600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 350, Rockville, Maryland 20852
Phone: (301) 838-9385     Fax: (301) 838-9481