WIND REVERSES DIRECTION OF TREE'S FALL

Feb. 2003
03-S-4

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BACKGROUND: A chain saw operator was felling trees manually on a cloudy, warm, humid day in the South, with above-average wind velocity.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: The young chain saw operator was trained in safe manual felling techniques in relatively flat woods and was wearing full personal protective equipment.

UNSAFE ACT OR CONDITION: In planning the fall of the tree, the operator failed to plan for and clear an appropriate escape path and proceeded with the felling in spite of strong winds. Then, after releasing the tree, the operator retreated from the stump in the exact opposite direction of the intended direction of the treeÕs fall, without keeping his eye on the falling tree's crown.

ACCIDENT: The wind propelled the tree toward the retreating operator, striking him a glancing blow.

INJURY: The operator's personal protective equipment restricted his injuries to bruises and small scratches to the left arm and hand, requiring no lost work time. A few inches' difference in his position might have resulted in a serious injury or fatality.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORRECTION:

• Take time to evaluate all safety exposures in planning the felling of every tree.
• Every felling plan should include planning and clearing two escape paths, each at a 45-degree angle back from the intended line of fall -- not in a direct line back.
• Suspend felling operations if the wind is strong enough to influence the intended direction of fall.
• Wedges are useful tools in preventing trees from falling in the wrong direction.
• In retreating from the stump along one of the oblique escape paths, take frequent glances at the tree's crown to ensure that the tree is falling in the planned direction.

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