Each region, forest, and district has different forest management plans, policies, and ground conditions. For the purpose of this report, all Forest Service employees and supervisors should act in accordance with U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, the Forest Service Health and Safety Code Handbook (FSH 6709.11), and any other guidelines required by law, policy, or memorandum of understanding relative to a specific unit.

Tree Assessment and Method Selection

Tree felling is one of the most dangerous duties performed in the field. Any tree potentially can be lethal. All employees and supervisors must approach these assignments with a high level of situational awareness and understanding of the dangers involved.

Between 2001 and 2009, eight wildland firefighters were killed in danger tree accidents http://www.nwcg.gov/branches/pre/rmc/summaries/fatalities_by_cause_1999_2009.pdf.

During the same period, many injuries and near-misses involving Forest Service employees, contractors, and forest visitors occurred. To increase safety, extra actions, such as training and mentoring, sometimes are needed. An entirely different approach may be needed, such as selecting a combination of mitigation methods.

Of 107 logging fatalities between fiscal years 1996 and 1997 http://www.osha.gov/dit/ostat/reports/logging/logging_report_all-in-one.pdf. Of the 107 fatalities, 82 involved an individual being struck by an object during logging operations (figure 2). Of these 82 fatalities, 64 involved individuals being struck by a tree (figure 3).

The felling of trees involves risks. All trees must be thoroughly assessed before felling. Managers need to understand the associated risks for each danger tree mitigation method and compare those risks before selecting a mitigation method for the specific work assignment.

Figure 2—Logging fatalities investigated by OSHA (fiscal years 1996 and 1997)
and identified causes. Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor

Figure 3—OSHA statistics for "struck by" fatalities for fiscal years
1996 and 1997. Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor

OSHA requires that employees and supervisors develop a Job Hazard Analysis/Risk Assessment for work activities (29 CFR 1910.132(d)). For danger tree mitigation, a Job Hazard Analysis/Risk Assessment should address the risks associated with sizing up danger trees and mitigation methods for each project area. All job hazard analyses (JHAs) need to be signed by the appropriate line officer and reviewed at least annually.