-
What happened?
Chainsaw operators were cutting and felling trees, clearing a pipeline right-of-way.
An operator (acting as a spotter) moved out of the expected path of a felled tree.
The tree snagged on a vine and unexpectedly changed direction.
The tree struck the operator in the head and arm (surgery was required).
-
Why did it happen?
Exclusion zone was not established.
Spotter’s final position was not selected before the first cut.
Hazards of entwined or entangled vines in adjacent trees were not identified.
Crew selection and training: spotter roles and responsibilities were not fully understood.
-
What did they learn?
Always establish an exclusion zone, safe egress and/or escape route and include in the work plans.
Consider:
- Tree height
- Species
- Disease
- Hang-up/snag
- Diameter
- Lean direction
- Damage
- Terrain
-
Ask yourself or your crew
How can something like this happen here?
How are the exclusion zone and felling direction established and documented?
Who verifies the expected fall line, adjacent tree conditions and obstructions in the surroundings?
Is safe egress or escape route planned prior to felling actions?
Did you participate in the hazard analysis? Do you understand the mitigating/protective measures prior to felling activities?
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What happened?
Chainsaw operators were cutting and felling trees, clearing a pipeline right-of-way.
An operator (acting as a spotter) moved out of the expected path of a felled tree.
The tree snagged on a vine and unexpectedly changed direction.
The tree struck the operator in the head and arm (surgery was required).
Why did it happen?
Exclusion zone was not established.
Spotter’s final position was not selected before the first cut.
Hazards of entwined or entangled vines in adjacent trees were not identified.
Crew selection and training: spotter roles and responsibilities were not fully understood.
What did they learn?
Always establish an exclusion zone, safe egress and/or escape route and include in the work plans.
Consider:
- Tree height
- Species
- Disease
- Hang-up/snag
- Diameter
- Lean direction
- Damage
- Terrain
Ask yourself or your crew
How can something like this happen here?
How are the exclusion zone and felling direction established and documented?
Who verifies the expected fall line, adjacent tree conditions and obstructions in the surroundings?
Is safe egress or escape route planned prior to felling actions?
Did you participate in the hazard analysis? Do you understand the mitigating/protective measures prior to felling activities?
A spotter suffered injuries while cutting and clearing trees, despite moving out of the expected fall path. The incident occurred when the tree snagged on a vine and unexpectedly changed direction.
