BACKGROUND: A logger was felling hardwood timber on an early spring day in the Northeast. Weather was not a factor in the incident. A skidder operator was also working on the same site.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: The logger, in his late 30s, had worked in the woods for many years. Although he had attended the classroom portion of logger training eight years prior to the accident, he had not completed the field evaluation. He was not wearing full personal protective equipment. The skidder operator had also worked in the woods for many years. His training history is unknown.
UNSAFE ACT OR CONDITION: The logger placed a notch cut on a large red oak tree. The tree was not leaning in the desired direction of fall. He came around to the back of the tree to place the felling cut. A smaller oak very close to the larger one made it difficult to approach the back cut from the side. The logger began the felling cut while the skidder operator backed up to the tree and positioned the winch arch against the tree to push it over. Using the skidder to push trees, instead of using a felling wedge, appeared to be common practice on the site. The logger was bent over between the skidder and two trees. When the skidder exerted pressure to the tree, the arch slipped off the tree and the skidder moved back.
ACCIDENT: The logger’s head and body were caught between the skidder’s rear fender and the smaller tree as the skidder’s arch slipped off the tree and it moved back.
INJURY: The logger died at the scene of massive trauma to the body. Rescue crews extricated him and transported him to a hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CORRECTION:
- Use safe directional felling practices—an adequate notch and hinge. If the tree inclines away from the intended direction of fall, use a wedge or felling tool for assistance.
- If using a skidder to push a tree, the feller should be well away from the tree in a safe zone.
- Always have a clear escape route.
- Always use full Personal Protective Equipment.
Courtesy of the Forest Resources Association: https://www.forestresources.org/