Logging

What are the hazards associated with logging?

Improper use of chain saws and failure to follow proper tree cutting procedures, including establishing a safe exit path, can result in serious injury and death.

Is there a special emphasis program associated with this topic?

Occupational exposure to hazards encountered in logging falls within the OSH Division logging and arboriculture special emphasis program.

What can I do to protect myself?

When participating in tree felling operations, employees should establish a clear and safe exit path away from any tree that is being cut. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instruction regarding the use, care and maintenance of chain saw.

Employers must ensure that employees are trained in the correct use of a chain saw and any other equipment they are expected to operate and have been provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment prior to stepping onto a logging site.

What resources are available to assist employers?

Safety and Health Programs

Example programs on lockout/tagout program, hearing conservation, bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan (general industry), bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan (construction), and PPE hazard assessment can be downloaded and customized to fit an individual workplace.

In addition, the arboriculture tree trimming policy, chain saw policy, and a first aid, CPR and AED policy are available and can be customized to fit the specific hazards and conditions in the work settings in which employees will work. Other example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions. 

Training and Outreach Services

Presentations on lockout/tagout bloodborne pathogens, protective equipment (general industry), personal protective equipment (construction), struck by/caught between and hearing conservation can be downloaded and customized to assist employers in conducting employee training at their workplaces. Other example presentations are available along with pre-recorded webinars which can be accessed at any time. 

In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request. 

Lastly, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including streaming video services) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).

Safety and Health Topics

Additional resource information can be found on the safety and health topic pages for noise, chain saw safety, bloodborne pathogens, PPE, lockout/tagout, medical services and first aid, heat stress, sawmills, portable fire extinguishers and arboriculture. 

Consultation Services

The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.

Which standards apply?

OSH has adopted the following standards for logging in North Carolina. This is not all inclusive.

Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic. 

General Industry

• 29 CFR 1910.266 - logging operations

Other standards that may be applicable include:

General Industry

• 29 CFR 1910.95 - occupational noise exposure
• 29 CFR 1910.147 - the control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)
• 29 CFR 1910.261 - pulp, paper and paperboard mills
• 29 CFR 1910.265 - sawmills
• 29 CFR 1910 Subpart H - hazardous materials
• 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I - personal protective equipment
• 29 CFR 1910.1030 - bloodborne pathogens

Recordkeeping

• Refer to Recording and Reporting

Other Applicable Standards

The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to your worksite.

Where can I learn more?

Fact Sheets

• NCDOL Investigates: Tree Trimming/Logging describes the investigation process when a work-related accident involves tree trimming or tree removal.

Compliance Documents

• Operational Procedure Notice: OPN 88, Special Emphasis Program for Logging and Arboriculture, describes the conduct of inspections and associated activities under this special emphasis program.
• Operational Procedure Notice: OPN 147, Logging Operations, Inspection Procedures and Interpretive Guidance, Establishes NCDOL OSH Division policies and clarification to ensure uniform enforcement of the Logging Operations standard, 29 CFR 1910.266.
• Compliance Memo: Memo TC 1, Enforcement Inspection Guidance for Tree Care and Tree Removal Operations, establishes enforcement policy and provides an explanation of applicable standards to ensure uniform enforcement.
• Compliance Memo: Memo TC 2, Davey Tree Court Ruling contains court decisions for cases between Davey Tree and OSHA that can be used as guidance in determining the application of the logging standard in tasks involving tree felling and line clearing work.
• Compliance Directive: CPL 02-00-124 - Multi-Employer Citation Policy provides guidance to Compliance Officers regarding the issuance of citations for employers who exercise control in creating, controlling, exposing and correcting hazards for their employees and those of other employers on site.
• CFR 136 - Logging Operations provides the promulgation of the rule.

Industry Guides

• Industry Guide 48 - OSHA Construction Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, provides requirements for standards related to logging.
• Industry Guide 49 - OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, provides requirements for standards related to logging.
• Industry Guide 50 - OSHA Agriculture Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, includes requirements for standards related to logging along with other agriculture standards.

Technical Assistance

• Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH online or by phone at 919-707-7876.