Fatal Accident Circumstances and Epidemiology (FACE) Report: Tree Feller Killed by Falling Tree Limb, West Virginia, November 17, 1992

摘要

The case of a 58 year old male tree feller who was struck and killed by a tree limb was investigated. At the time of the accident he was employed by a small trucking and logging company that had been in operation for about 20 years. The victim had been working for this company for 15 years and had about 25 years of logging experience. He had begun working that day cutting trees with a chain saw on a mountainside. He felled a white oak about 100 feet tall that fell downhill toward a beech about 20 feet away, striking the beech tree and breaking off a 40 foot long limb which fell in the direction of the victim. The limb struck the victim on the head, killing him instantly. He was not wearing head protection. It is recommended that employers ensure that tree fellers properly evaluate the area around the timber to be felled to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures. It was also noted that employers should develop, implement, and enforce a written safety program which would include worker training in recognizing hazards and dealing with them appropriately. The use of personal protective equipment should be mandatory. A competent person should regularly conduct safety inspections.