Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Alaska: Logger Killed While Felling Tree

摘要

A logger was killed when the trunk of the tree he was felling (cutting) struck his head. The victim was part of a two-man crew cutting trees separately on a steep hillside. After clearing an intended fall area and an escape route of brush and saplings, the victim made a series of standard cuts to fell the tree. The tree twisted on its stump, causing it to fall differently than the intended position and to strike the side of an uphill stump. The tree rebounded and struck the victim as the butt of the trunk descended and swung toward him as it continued to slip to the side of the stump. His cutting partner (the witness) notified an emergency medical technician who administered CPR. The victim remained unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene. Based on the findings of the investigation, to prevent similar occurrences, employers should: (1) ensure that all cutters examine the tree before making a cut and inspect the chainsaw shavings or the wood wedge from the undercut for any signs of rot which could influence the tree's fall when finishing the cut; (2) re-enforce the use of wedges to help control the fall of the tree; (3) consider eliminating the use of a 'swing cut' when defective timber is present and an adequate distance for the escape route is unavailable.