Logging Safety Manual

OSHA Logging Operations Standard

Federal OSHA maintains a specific Logging Operations standard, 29 CFR 1910.266, addressing occupational hazards associated with logging operations.

The standard applies to operations associated with felling and moving trees and logs from the stump to the point of delivery, including activities such as:

• Identifying danger trees.
• Felling.
• Limbing.
• Bucking.
• Debarking.
• Chipping.
• Yarding.
• Loading.
• Unloading.
• Log storage.
• Transportation of machines, equipment, and employees to, from, and between logging sites.

Hazards or working conditions not specifically addressed by the Logging Operations standard may be covered by other applicable occupational safety and health requirements.

The federal Logging Operations standard does not cover the construction or use of cable yarding systems. Companies performing specialized cable logging or other operations outside the scope of the federal logging standard should determine which federal, state, and other requirements apply to that work.

What Should a Logging Safety Manual Include?

The contents of a Logging Safety Manual should reflect the logging operations actually performed.

Depending on operations, the manual may address:

• Logging safety responsibilities.
• Site Safety and Health Plans.
• Tree Harvesting Plans.
• Daily safety checks.
• Danger trees.
• Manual tree felling.
• Mechanical tree felling.
• Chainsaw safety.
• Limbing.
• Bucking.
• Chipping.
• Yarding.
• Skidders.
• Feller-bunchers.
• Harvesters and processors.
• Forwarders.
• Log loaders.
• Landings.
• Loading and unloading.
• Log trucks.
• Logging roads.
• Mobile equipment.
• Personal Protective Equipment.
• Hearing protection.
• Overhead power lines.
• Environmental conditions.
• First aid and CPR.
• Emergency response.
• Employee training.

Programs and procedures should be selected according to the company’s harvesting methods, machines, vehicles, timber, terrain, and employee exposures.

Logging Safety Program

An effective Logging Safety Program establishes responsibilities and procedures for identifying hazards, safely harvesting timber, maintaining equipment, preventing employee injuries and illnesses, and responding to emergencies.

Management should provide employees with appropriate equipment, PPE, training, supervision, maintenance resources, communication methods, and safe work procedures.

Managers, supervisors, and designated safety personnel should:

• Evaluate logging-site hazards.
• Establish harvesting procedures.
• Identify danger trees.
• Coordinate manual and mechanical operations.
• Maintain safe separation between work areas.
• Maintain machines and vehicles.
• Provide required PPE.
• Establish communication procedures.
• Provide first-aid resources.
• Ensure employees receive required training.
• Correct unsafe conditions.
• Investigate workplace incidents.
• Maintain applicable records.

Employees should follow established procedures, use required PPE, inspect equipment, maintain safe separation from logging hazards, communicate with other employees, and promptly report unsafe conditions, injuries, equipment defects, danger trees, and other hazards.

Site Safety and Health Plan

A site-specific Safety and Health Plan can be used to organize the hazards and controls associated with a logging site.

The plan may address:

• Tree Harvesting Plan.
• Site hazards.
• Daily safety checks.
• PPE.
• Equipment maintenance.
• Employee training.
• Emergency procedures.
• Employee responsibilities.
• Hazard Communication.
• Incident reporting.

Site conditions should be evaluated as harvesting progresses because logging hazards can change substantially during the course of the work.

Tree Harvesting Plan

A Tree Harvesting Plan should evaluate the hazards associated with the specific logging site.

Potential considerations include:

• Timber characteristics.
• Terrain.
• Slopes.
• Danger trees.
• Overhead power lines.
• Roads.
• Landings.
• Equipment routes.
• Manual felling areas.
• Mechanical felling areas.
• Yarding.
• Loading.
• Weather.
• Employee communication.
• Emergency access.

The plan should coordinate operations so one employee’s work does not create a hazard for another.

Daily Site Evaluation

Logging sites should be evaluated regularly for changing hazards.

Conditions may change because of:

• Trees that have been felled.
• Newly created danger trees.
• Weather.
• Wind.
• Rain.
• Snow or ice.
• Equipment movement.
• Road deterioration.
• Mud.
• Fire.
• Visibility.
• Changes in work areas.

Employees should communicate significant changing conditions to affected coworkers and supervisors.

Work Area Separation

Logging work areas should be arranged so the actions of one employee do not create a hazard for another.

Trees should not be felled into adjacent occupied work areas.

Appropriate separation should consider:

• Tree height.
• Slope.
• Rolling or sliding logs.
• Soil.
• Timber density.
• Felling direction.
• Mechanical equipment.

Adjacent occupied felling areas generally require separation of at least two tree lengths, with greater separation where rolling or sliding trees or logs are reasonably foreseeable.

Approaching a Felling Operation

Employees should not approach a manual feller closer than two tree lengths of the trees being felled until the feller acknowledges that it is safe to approach, except where a properly planned team operation is necessary for the particular tree.

Employees should similarly remain at least two tree lengths from mechanical felling operations until the machine operator acknowledges that it is safe to approach.

Visual or Audible Contact

Employees performing logging operations at a logging worksite should work in locations that allow visual or audible contact with another employee.

Communication may involve:

• Voice.
• Radios.
• Whistles.
• Horns.
• Other recognized signals.

Engine noise should not be relied upon as a communication signal.

Employee Accountability

The employer should maintain procedures to account for each employee at the end of the workshift.

Remote operations should have practical methods for determining whether all employees have safely returned from their assigned work areas.

Signaling

Hand signals or audible communication should be used when noise, distance, restricted visibility, or other conditions prevent employees from clearly understanding normal voice communication.

Only the designated person should give operating signals except during an emergency.

Signals should be understood by affected employees before work begins.

Danger Trees

A danger tree may include a tree, snag, lodged tree, damaged tree, or other tree condition that could create a hazard to employees.

Danger trees should be identified before employees begin work in the affected area.

Each danger tree should be:

• Felled.
• Removed.
• Avoided.

Removal methods should minimize employee exposure.

Danger Tree Inspection

Before a danger tree is felled or removed, employees should evaluate it for:

• Loose bark.
• Broken limbs.
• Dead limbs.
• Structural damage.
• Lodged material.
• Other overhead hazards.

Accessible loose material that could endanger employees should be removed or otherwise controlled before the tree is felled or removed.

Danger Trees That Cannot Be Removed

If a danger tree cannot be safely felled or removed, it should be clearly identified and employees should remain outside the hazardous area.

Work should generally not occur within two tree lengths of the danger tree unless it has been determined that a shorter distance does not create an employee hazard.

Widow Makers

Broken limbs, hanging branches, and other suspended tree material can fall unexpectedly.

Employees should inspect the tree and surrounding canopy before:

• Felling.
• Limbing.
• Bucking.
• Operating equipment.
• Entering an area beneath trees.

Employees should not work beneath uncontrolled overhead hazards.

Lodged Trees

A lodged or hung tree is a tree that has not fallen completely because it is supported by another tree or object.

Lodged trees are extremely hazardous.

Employees should not continue ordinary work beneath or immediately around a lodged tree.

Mechanical or other appropriate techniques should be used to bring the tree down while minimizing employee exposure.

Domino Felling

Domino felling is prohibited.

Employees should not partially cut multiple trees and then attempt to push them over with another tree.

Felling another single tree to bring down a single danger tree should be performed only in accordance with applicable safe procedures.

Manual Tree Felling

Manual tree felling requires careful evaluation before cutting begins.

Before felling a tree, the feller should evaluate:

• Tree lean.
• Tree condition.
• Dead limbs.
• Wind.
• Snow or ice.
• Surrounding trees.
• Terrain.
• Nearby employees.
• Structures.
• Power lines.
• Intended felling direction.
• Retreat path.

The tree should be felled in a manner that does not create a hazard for employees.

Felling Direction

The feller should determine the intended direction of fall before cutting begins.

Considerations may include:

• Natural lean.
• Wind.
• Clear fall path.
• Nearby trees.
• Terrain.
• Obstacles.
• Landing area.
• Skidding or removal method.

The selected direction should minimize hazards to employees.

Clear Fall Path

The expected fall path should be evaluated for:

• Standing trees.
• Stumps.
• Rocks.
• Equipment.
• Structures.
• Employees.
• Power lines.
• Terrain features.

Where practical, hazards should be removed or the felling direction changed.

Retreat Path

Before felling begins, the feller should plan and clear a retreat path.

The retreat path should extend diagonally away from the expected felling line unless another path provides greater safety.

The path should be cleared of obstacles that could interfere with rapid movement.

Using the Retreat Path

After the back cut has been made and the tree begins to fall, the feller should immediately retreat a safe distance using the planned path.

The feller should remain aware of the falling tree and overhead hazards while retreating.

Employees should not remain near the stump merely to watch the tree fall.

Tree Butt Movement

The butt of a falling tree may:

• Kick backward.
• Slide.
• Jump.
• Rotate.
• Strike obstacles.

The retreat path should be selected to reduce exposure to these hazards.

Felling on Slopes

Where rolling or sliding trees or logs are reasonably foreseeable, felling should be performed uphill from or on approximately the same level as previously felled trees.

Employees should not position themselves downhill where moving logs or trees could strike them.

Felling Cuts

Manual felling cuts should be made using appropriate techniques that maintain control of the tree’s direction of fall.

Employees performing felling should be trained in:

• Notches.
• Back cuts.
• Hinge wood.
• Wedges.
• Tree lean.
• Tree condition.
• Species characteristics.

Improper cuts can cause loss of directional control.

Felling Hinge

Appropriate hinge wood should be maintained to help control the tree during the fall.

The feller should understand how:

• Hinge thickness.
• Hinge length.
• Notch geometry.
• Back-cut position.

affect the tree’s movement.

Wedges

Felling wedges may be used where appropriate to assist with directional control and prevent the tree from settling backward onto the saw.

Employees should use wedges appropriate to chainsaw felling operations.

Chainsaw Safety

Chainsaws used in logging should be maintained in safe operating condition.

Before use, employees should inspect applicable components such as:

• Chain.
• Chain tension.
• Chain brake.
• Controls.
• Handles.
• Guards.
• Muffler.
• Fuel system.
• Safety devices.

Defective saws should not be used until repaired.

Chainsaw Starting

Chainsaws should be started using a stable method that provides control of the saw.

Employees should maintain control of the saw and keep the chain away from their body and other employees.

Unsafe drop-starting methods should not be used.

Chainsaw Handling

Employees should:

• Maintain secure footing.
• Maintain control of the saw.
• Keep both hands on the saw during cutting when required by the operation.
• Avoid cutting positions that unnecessarily expose the body to the chain.
• Remain alert to kickback.
• Shut down or control the saw before adjustments.

Chainsaw Kickback

Kickback can occur when the upper portion of the guide-bar nose contacts an object or the chain becomes pinched.

Employees should:

• Maintain a secure grip.
• Avoid unnecessary contact with the guide-bar nose.
• Maintain the chain properly.
• Use functioning safety devices.
• Maintain stable body positioning.

Carrying Chainsaws

When carrying a chainsaw over significant distances, the saw should be shut down or the chain brake engaged as required.

Even over shorter distances, the saw should be shut down or the chain brake engaged when terrain, underbrush, slippery surfaces, or other conditions create a hazard.

Chainsaw Fueling

Chainsaws should be fueled in areas where ignition hazards are controlled.

Employees should:

• Shut down the saw.
• Avoid smoking.
• Control spills.
• Keep fuel away from ignition sources.
• Follow safe refueling procedures.

The saw should be moved an appropriate distance from the fueling area before restarting.

Chainsaw Leg Protection

Employees operating chainsaws should use appropriate leg protection constructed with cut-resistant material as required.

Leg protection should be inspected and maintained in serviceable condition.

Damaged protective equipment should be replaced.

Chainsaw Foot Protection

Employees operating chainsaws should use foot protection appropriate to chainsaw hazards and logging conditions.

Footwear should also provide suitable traction for terrain, timber, and weather conditions.

Limbing

Limbing can expose employees to:

• Spring poles.
• Bent limbs.
• Rolling logs.
• Chainsaw kickback.
• Unstable footing.
• Falling branches.

Before cutting, employees should evaluate how limbs are supporting the tree and where stored energy may be present.

Spring Poles

A spring pole is a tree, limb, or sapling held under tension.

Cutting a spring pole improperly can cause sudden violent movement.

Employees should identify stored energy and use a cutting method that controls the release of tension.

Limbing Position

Employees should position themselves to reduce exposure to:

• Rolling logs.
• Moving limbs.
• Chainsaw contact.
• Spring poles.
• Downhill movement.

Where possible, the log should be between the employee and the saw during appropriate limbing operations.

Bucking

Bucking involves cutting felled trees or logs into desired lengths.

Before bucking, employees should evaluate:

• Log stability.
• Slope.
• Compression.
• Tension.
• Supporting points.
• Potential rolling.
• Nearby employees.

Cuts should be planned to control movement.

Log Tension and Compression

Logs supported unevenly can contain substantial stored energy.

Employees should evaluate which side is under tension and which side is under compression before cutting.

Employees should remain outside the anticipated movement path.

Rolling Logs

Logs on slopes should be chocked, stabilized, or approached using methods that prevent unexpected rolling.

Employees should not work downhill from an unstable log.

Chipping

Chippers can expose employees to:

• Infeed mechanisms.
• Knives and discs.
• Flying material.
• Noise.
• Entanglement.

Employees should receive appropriate training before operating or feeding a chipper.

Chipper Guarding

Chipper infeed and discharge areas should be guarded to protect employees from operating components.

Access covers or doors should not expose employees to moving components.

Required guards should remain in place.

Feeding Chippers

Employees should use safe feeding methods that keep their bodies away from the infeed mechanism.

Loose clothing, ropes, and other items that could become entangled should be controlled.

Employees should remain alert to branches that can move unexpectedly as material is fed.

Chipper Maintenance

Before employees perform maintenance, clear jams, or enter hazardous areas of a chipper, hazardous energy and movement should be controlled.

Employees should recognize that chipper drums and discs can continue moving after power is shut off.

Mechanical Logging Operations

Mechanical logging may involve equipment such as:

• Feller-bunchers.
• Harvesters.
• Processors.
• Skidders.
• Forwarders.
• Log loaders.
• Delimbers.
• Slashers.
• Chippers.
• Bulldozers.

Only designated and appropriately trained employees should operate logging machines.

Machine Inspection

Logging machines should be inspected before initial use during each workshift.

The inspection should identify defects or damage that could affect safe operation.

Unsafe machines should be repaired or removed from service before work begins.

Manufacturer Instructions

Operating and maintenance instructions should be available to machine operators and maintenance employees.

Employees should operate and maintain equipment within the manufacturer’s limitations.

Rated capacities should not be exceeded.

Machine Startup and Movement

Before starting or moving a machine, the operator should determine that employees are clear of the machine’s path.

Machines should be operated at sufficient distance from employees and other machines to prevent hazardous interaction.

Feller-Buncher Safety

Feller-bunchers can expose employees to hazards involving:

• Falling trees.
• Machine movement.
• Slopes.
• Rotating equipment.
• Hydraulic systems.
• Blind areas.

Employees should remain outside the mechanical felling area until the operator acknowledges that it is safe to approach.

Harvester and Processor Safety

Harvesters and processors may combine felling, delimbing, measuring, and bucking operations.

Operators should remain aware of:

• Tree movement.
• Processing heads.
• Hydraulic equipment.
• Flying debris.
• Nearby employees.
• Machine stability.

Employees on foot should remain outside hazardous operating areas.

Skidder Safety

Skidders may expose employees to:

• Rollovers.
• Sliding logs.
• Winch lines.
• Chokers.
• Slopes.
• Blind areas.
• Machine movement.

Operators should work within the machine’s stability and operating limitations.

Forwarder Safety

Forwarders transport logs off the ground within a load bunk.

Operators should consider:

• Load stability.
• Machine capacity.
• Slopes.
• Terrain.
• Overhead hazards.
• Nearby employees.

Loads should be arranged to maintain machine stability.

Log Loader Safety

Log loaders should be operated only by designated employees.

Employees should remain clear of:

• Swing radius.
• Suspended logs.
• Grapples.
• Unstable log decks.
• Loading areas.

Only employees whose duties require their presence should remain in active loading areas.

ROPS and FOPS

Covered logging machines should be equipped with required rollover and falling-object protective structures.

Protective structures should be maintained in serviceable condition.

Employees should not modify protective structures in ways that could compromise their effectiveness.

Machine Seat Belts

Seat belts provided for logging machines should be maintained and used as required.

Seat belts and rollover protective structures work together to help protect machine operators during rollovers.

Machine Access

Steps, handholds, and access areas should be maintained to reduce falls while entering or leaving equipment.

Employees should use provided access systems and avoid jumping from machines.

Mud, ice, oil, and debris should be removed from access areas.

Machine Guarding

Logging machinery should have appropriate guarding for exposed moving components.

Potential hazards include:

• Shafts.
• Belts.
• Pulleys.
• Gears.
• Conveyors.
• Processing equipment.

Guards should remain in place while equipment is operating.

Brakes

Logging-machine brakes should be maintained in serviceable condition.

Service brakes should be capable of controlling the machine and its rated load on the slopes where the equipment is operated.

Required parking and secondary braking systems should also be maintained.

Hydraulic Systems

Hydraulic systems can contain hazardous stored pressure.

Employees should:

• Inspect hoses and fittings.
• Report leaks.
• Lower or secure raised components.
• Relieve stored pressure before servicing.
• Keep body parts away from suspected high-pressure leaks.

Hydraulic injection injuries require prompt medical attention.

Raised Equipment

Employees should not work beneath raised booms, blades, grapples, loader components, or other equipment unless it has been securely blocked or supported against unintended movement.

Hydraulic pressure alone should not be relied upon during maintenance.

Yarding

Yarding involves moving felled trees or logs from the point of felling to a landing.

Employees should remain clear before logs or yarding lines are moved.

The yarding operator should clearly receive and understand the appropriate signal before movement begins.

Skidding

Logs being skidded can:

• Swing.
• Roll.
• Slide.
• Strike standing trees.
• Move downhill.

Employees should remain outside the path of moving logs and equipment.

Chokers

Employees connecting or disconnecting chokers should position themselves to avoid unexpected log movement.

Where practical, chokers should be attached and removed from safer positions, considering slope and potential log movement.

Logs should be stabilized when necessary.

Winching

Winching should be performed within the stability limits of the machine.

Employees should remain outside hazardous areas involving:

• Winch lines.
• Cables.
• Logs.
• Machine movement.

Employees should not straddle or stand unnecessarily close to tensioned lines.

Cable Yarding Systems

Cable yarding systems require specialized procedures because of hazards involving towers, lines, rigging, tensioned systems, logs, terrain, and communication.

The federal OSHA Logging Operations standard does not cover the construction or use of cable yarding systems.

Employers performing cable yarding should determine and follow the specific federal, state, equipment, and other requirements applicable to their operations.

Landings

A landing is an area where logs are placed after yarding and before transportation from the worksite.

Landings should be arranged to provide adequate room for:

• Log movement.
• Equipment.
• Loading.
• Employee access.
• Truck positioning.

Logs should be placed in stable arrangements.

Log Decks

Log decks should be maintained to reduce uncontrolled rolling or sliding.

Employees should avoid standing:

• Below unstable logs.
• Between logs and equipment.
• In areas where logs could shift unexpectedly.

Loading Logs

Only the machine operator and employees whose duties require their presence should remain within active loading areas.

Employees should remain clear of suspended or moving logs.

Logs should not be carried over unprotected employees.

Log Truck Positioning

Transport vehicles should be positioned to provide appropriate working clearance during loading and unloading.

Drivers should follow established procedures and remain in designated safe areas.

Log Load Stability

Logs should be loaded and positioned to prevent unintended movement, slippage, or loss during handling and transportation.

Employees should evaluate:

• Log placement.
• Load balance.
• Bunks.
• Stakes.
• Tie-downs.
• Vehicle capacity.

Tie-Downs

Load securement should be applied and released using procedures that protect employees from shifting or falling logs.

Employees should position themselves outside anticipated release paths.

Unloading Logs

Unloading procedures should account for the possibility that logs have shifted during transportation.

Employees should evaluate the load before releasing restraints.

Logs should be controlled to prevent uncontrolled rolling or falling.

Log Truck Safety

Logging vehicles should be maintained in serviceable condition and inspected before initial use during each workshift.

Defects affecting safe operation should be repaired before the vehicle is used.

Operators should possess the appropriate license for the vehicle operated.

Vehicle Access

Vehicles should have suitable steps and handholds where necessary for safe entry and exit.

Employees should maintain secure contact and avoid jumping from vehicle cabs or equipment.

Logging Roads

Logging roads may involve:

• Steep grades.
• Narrow travel surfaces.
• Soft shoulders.
• Blind curves.
• Mud.
• Snow.
• Ice.
• Heavy equipment.
• Log trucks.

Drivers should operate at speeds appropriate to road and weather conditions.

Vehicle Backing

Before backing, drivers should determine that the path is clear.

Spotters or other controls should be used when necessary.

Drivers should stop if they lose visual or audible communication with a spotter.

Transporting Equipment

Logging machines transported between sites should be:

• Loaded safely.
• Properly positioned.
• Secured.
• Unloaded in a controlled manner.

Employees should remain clear of equipment movement and potential rollover areas.

Overhead Power Lines

Logging operations near overhead electrical lines should maintain applicable clearances and follow appropriate electrical-safety procedures.

Hazards may involve:

• Trees.
• Log loaders.
• Cranes.
• Booms.
• Trucks.
• Other tall equipment.

Employees should never assume an overhead electrical line is de-energized.

Trees Near Power Lines

Felling trees near energized power lines requires specialized planning.

The employer should evaluate:

• Tree height.
• Tree lean.
• Wind.
• Felling direction.
• Line location.
• Equipment.
• Required clearances.

Work should not proceed when electrical hazards cannot be adequately controlled.

Personal Protective Equipment

Logging PPE should reflect the employee’s assigned tasks and hazards.

Depending on the work, PPE may include:

• Head protection.
• Eye protection.
• Face protection.
• Hearing protection.
• Hand protection.
• Chainsaw leg protection.
• Protective footwear.
• High-visibility apparel where appropriate.

Required PPE should be inspected before use and maintained in serviceable condition.

Head Protection

Employees exposed to falling or flying objects should use appropriate head protection.

Logging employees should remain aware that head protection cannot substitute for controlling danger trees and overhead hazards.

Eye and Face Protection

Eye protection should be used where employees may be exposed to flying material.

Face protection may be necessary during activities such as:

• Chipping.
• Chainsaw operation.
• Certain yarding activities.

Appropriate mesh screens or other suitable protection may be used where permitted for the task.

Hearing Protection

Chainsaws and logging machinery can generate hazardous noise.

Employee exposure should be evaluated and appropriate hearing-protection and Hearing Conservation measures implemented when required.

Hand Protection

Hand protection should be selected according to the employee’s work.

Potential hazards include:

• Cuts.
• Splinters.
• Abrasion.
• Wire rope.
• Chemicals.
• Cold.

Gloves should not create additional entanglement hazards around machinery.

Environmental Conditions

Logging operations are particularly affected by environmental conditions.

Work should be stopped and employees moved to a safe location when conditions create an uncontrolled hazard.

Potential conditions include:

• Electrical storms.
• Strong winds.
• Heavy rain.
• Snow.
• Extreme cold.
• Dense fog.
• Fire.
• Mudslides.
• Darkness.

High Winds

Wind can substantially change the direction or behavior of falling trees.

Manual and mechanical felling should stop when wind makes tree movement unpredictable or otherwise creates an employee hazard.

Lightning

Employees should follow established procedures when electrical storms approach.

Work should be suspended when lightning or related conditions create a hazard.

Employees should move to an appropriate place of safety.

Heavy Rain, Snow and Ice

Precipitation may affect:

• Visibility.
• Traction.
• Tree stability.
• Road conditions.
• Machine stability.
• Employee footing.

Operations should be modified or suspended when conditions cannot be safely controlled.

Fog and Limited Visibility

Dense fog or other conditions that prevent employees from safely observing trees, equipment, signals, or coworkers may require work to stop.

Communication systems should not be used to justify work where visibility itself creates an uncontrolled hazard.

Extreme Cold

Logging employees may be exposed to cold stress, frostbite, hypothermia, reduced dexterity, and slippery conditions.

Procedures should consider:

• Clothing.
• Warming opportunities.
• Work duration.
• Wind.
• Wet conditions.
• Employee monitoring.

Heat Stress

Logging can also involve strenuous physical work during hot conditions.

Heat-illness prevention procedures should consider:

• Drinking water.
• Rest.
• Cooling.
• Acclimatization.
• Workload.
• Weather.
• PPE.

Employees should understand signs and symptoms of heat illness.

Wildfire and Forest Fire

Logging operations may be affected by wildfires or other forest fires.

Emergency procedures should address:

• Fire detection.
• Communication.
• Evacuation routes.
• Equipment movement.
• Smoke.
• Employee accountability.

Employees should not remain in areas where fire conditions threaten safe evacuation.

Mudslides and Unstable Terrain

Heavy rain, steep terrain, road cuts, and disturbed soil may contribute to slides or unstable ground.

Employees should report signs of:

• Soil movement.
• Cracking.
• Falling rock.
• Erosion.
• Road failure.

Work should be suspended where terrain conditions create an uncontrolled hazard.

Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Logging operations may use:

• Gasoline.
• Diesel.
• Chainsaw fuel.
• Hydraulic fluids.
• Lubricants.
• Other combustible products.

Fuel should be stored, transported, and handled using appropriate containers and procedures.

Ignition sources should be controlled.

Fire Extinguishers

Required fire extinguishers should be provided on applicable logging machines and vehicles and maintained in serviceable condition.

Employees expected to use extinguishers should understand their proper use and limitations.

Explosives — When Applicable

Some logging operations may use explosives or blasting agents.

Only appropriately trained, qualified, and authorized employees should perform blasting-related work.

Explosives should be transported, stored, handled, and used according to applicable requirements.

Hand and Portable Powered Tools

Hand and portable powered tools should be maintained in safe operating condition.

Before use, employees should inspect applicable:

• Handles.
• Guards.
• Controls.
• Cutting edges.
• Safety devices.

Defective tools should be repaired or removed from service.

Equipment Maintenance

Logging equipment maintenance may expose employees to:

• Hazardous energy.
• Raised components.
• Hydraulic pressure.
• Heavy parts.
• Electrical systems.
• Hot surfaces.
• Moving machinery.

Maintenance should be performed using procedures appropriate to the equipment and hazards.

Hazardous Energy Control

Before servicing machinery, employees should identify and control hazardous energy.

Potential energy sources include:

• Electrical.
• Mechanical.
• Hydraulic.
• Pneumatic.
• Gravity.
• Stored pressure.

Applicable Lockout/Tagout or other required energy-control procedures should be followed.

Machine Jams

Employees should not enter hazardous machine areas to clear jams while uncontrolled energy or movement is present.

Machines should be stopped and hazardous energy controlled before employees enter danger zones.

Hazard Communication

Logging operations may use hazardous chemicals such as:

• Fuels.
• Oils.
• Hydraulic fluids.
• Solvents.
• Cleaning products.
• Maintenance chemicals.

Applicable Hazard Communication procedures should address:

• Chemical inventories.
• Labels.
• Safety Data Sheets.
• Employee training.
• Non-routine tasks.

First Aid and CPR

Logging operations frequently occur in remote locations where professional emergency medical care may not be immediately available.

Logging employees, including supervisors, should receive required first-aid and CPR training.

Training should meet applicable Logging Operations requirements.

First-Aid Kits

First-aid kits should be provided at required logging locations.

These include applicable:

• Worksites where trees are being cut.
• Active landings.
• Employee transport vehicles.

The number and contents of first-aid kits should reflect the number of employees, anticipated hazards, and isolation of the worksite.

Emergency Medical Response

Before work begins, employees should know how emergency medical assistance will be obtained.

Planning should consider:

• Remote location.
• Road access.
• Cellular or radio coverage.
• Coordinates or site identification.
• Ambulance access.
• Helicopter landing considerations where applicable.
• Travel time.

Emergency Communication

Reliable communication methods should be established for remote logging operations.

Depending on the location, methods may include:

• Radios.
• Cellular phones.
• Satellite communication.
• Other reliable systems.

Employees should know how to report an emergency and provide their location.

Emergency Location Information

Logging crews should be able to provide emergency responders with enough information to locate an injured employee.

Information may include:

• Road names.
• Logging road numbers.
• Mile markers.
• GPS coordinates.
• Gates.
• Access points.
• Landmarks.

Access routes should be kept usable where practical.

Serious Injury Response

Employees should understand procedures for responding to:

• Chainsaw injuries.
• Crushing.
• Falling-tree injuries.
• Equipment rollovers.
• Severe bleeding.
• Fractures.
• Electrical contact.
• Burns.

Employees should not expose themselves to uncontrolled hazards while attempting rescue.

Working Alone

Logging employees should not perform logging operations in isolation where they cannot maintain the required visual or audible contact with another employee.

Work organization and communication procedures should support prompt recognition when an employee needs assistance.

Training

Logging employees, including supervisors, should receive training before initial assignment as required.

Additional training should be provided when employees are assigned:

• New work tasks.
• New tools.
• New equipment.
• New machines.
• New vehicles.

Training is also required when an employee demonstrates unsafe job performance.

Logging Training Content

Training should address, as applicable:

• Safe performance of assigned tasks.
• Tool operation.
• Machine operation.
• Vehicle operation.
• Equipment maintenance.
• Manufacturer instructions.
• Logging hazards.
• Hazard-control methods.
• Worksite procedures.
• OSHA Logging Operations requirements.

Employees should demonstrate the ability to safely perform assigned work.

Chainsaw Operator Training

Chainsaw operators should receive task-specific instruction addressing:

• Saw inspection.
• Starting.
• Handling.
• Kickback.
• Felling.
• Limbing.
• Bucking.
• Fueling.
• Maintenance.
• PPE.

Employees should not perform manual felling until they can safely perform the assigned work.

Machine Operator Training

Logging-machine operators should receive instruction appropriate to the equipment they operate.

Training should address:

• Controls.
• Stability.
• Capacity.
• Slopes.
• Blind areas.
• Protective structures.
• Employee clearance.
• Maintenance requirements.
• Manufacturer instructions.

New Employee Orientation

New employees should receive site and job-specific safety information before beginning work.

Orientation may address:

• Logging-site hazards.
• Danger trees.
• Work-area separation.
• Communication.
• PPE.
• Equipment.
• Emergency response.
• First aid.
• Reporting procedures.

Refresher Training

Additional training should be provided when:

• An employee demonstrates unsafe performance.
• Equipment changes.
• Work assignments change.
• New hazards are introduced.
• Knowledge or skill deficiencies are identified.

Safety Meetings

Periodic safety meetings can reinforce required work practices and address changing site conditions.

Potential topics include:

• Danger trees.
• Felling.
• Retreat paths.
• Chainsaws.
• Lodged trees.
• Equipment blind spots.
• Yarding.
• Loading.
• Weather.
• Recent incidents and near misses.

Incident Reporting

Employees should promptly report:

• Injuries.
• Near misses.
• Falling-tree incidents.
• Equipment rollovers.
• Chainsaw incidents.
• Vehicle accidents.
• Dropped or rolling logs.
• Electrical contacts.
• Equipment defects.
• Other unsafe conditions.

Prompt reporting helps identify hazards before similar incidents occur.

Incident Investigation

Significant incidents should be investigated to identify:

• Immediate causes.
• Contributing factors.
• Root causes.
• Corrective actions.

Investigations should consider:

• Tree condition.
• Felling technique.
• Terrain.
• Weather.
• Equipment.
• Maintenance.
• Employee positioning.
• Communication.
• Training.
• Supervision.
• Work planning.

Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause Analysis may identify underlying issues involving:

• Harvest planning.
• Hazard recognition.
• Equipment selection.
• Preventive maintenance.
• Training.
• Supervision.
• Communication.
• Production pressure.
• Employee spacing.
• Emergency planning.
• Corrective-action systems.

Corrective actions should address identified causes rather than simply assigning blame.

Recordkeeping

Logging employers should maintain occupational safety and health records required for their operations.

Records may include:

• Employee training.
• First-aid and CPR certification.
• Injury and illness records.
• Equipment inspections.
• Vehicle inspections.
• Maintenance records.
• Safety inspections.
• Incident investigations.
• Exposure records where applicable.

Records should be maintained according to applicable requirements.

Additional Safety Programs

Depending on logging operations and employee exposures, additional programs may be necessary for:

• Logging Operations Safety.
• Tree Felling Safety.
• Chainsaw Safety.
• Mobile Equipment.
• Heavy Equipment.
• Equipment Inspection.
• Vehicle Safety.
• Driver Safety & Defensive Driving.
• Loading & Unloading.
• Rigging & Material Handling.
• Chipper Safety.
• Hand & Power Tools.
• Machine Guarding.
• Lockout/Tagout.
• Equipment Maintenance.
• Electrical Safety.
• Working Near Overhead Power Lines.
• Personal Protective Equipment.
• Hearing Conservation.
• Hazard Communication.
• Chemical Safety.
• Manual Lifting & Material Handling.
• Ergonomics.
• Heat Stress Prevention.
• Cold Stress.
• Severe Weather.
• Wildfire Safety.
• Fire Prevention.
• Flammable & Combustible Liquids.
• First Aid.
• Emergency Action Plan.
• Working Alone.
• Incident Reporting & Investigation.
• Root Cause Analysis.

Programs should be included when the company’s harvesting methods, equipment, vehicles, timber, terrain, chemicals, and employee exposures make them applicable.

Building a Logging Safety Manual

A useful Logging Safety Manual should reflect the company’s actual harvesting methods.

A manual logging company may require extensive procedures for chainsaws, manual felling, danger trees, retreat paths, limbing, bucking, PPE, weather, communication, and first aid.

A mechanized logging company may require greater emphasis on feller-bunchers, harvesters, processors, skidders, forwarders, log loaders, machine inspections, protective structures, hydraulic systems, blind areas, and equipment maintenance.

A company performing both manual and mechanical logging will need procedures for coordinating the two operations and maintaining safe separation between employees, falling trees, moving logs, and machinery.

A company operating remote sites may require more extensive emergency communication, first-aid, transportation, and employee-accountability procedures.

A company using specialized cable yarding systems may require additional procedures and regulatory evaluation beyond the scope of the federal OSHA Logging Operations standard.

The safety manual should therefore be based on the logging work actually performed rather than automatically assigning every forestry-related program to every employer.

Customized Logging Safety Manuals

A Logging Safety Manual can be developed around the company’s tree-felling methods, chainsaws, skidders, feller-bunchers, harvesters, forwarders, loaders, chippers, log trucks, landings, terrain, timber, employees, and other occupational hazards.

The finished manual may incorporate applicable programs for Tree Felling, Chainsaw Safety, Mobile and Heavy Equipment, Loading and Unloading, Machine Guarding, Hazardous Energy Control, PPE, Hearing Conservation, Severe Weather, Emergency Response, First Aid, and other hazards associated with timber harvesting.

This provides logging companies, timber harvesters, logging contractors, and mechanical harvesting operations with a practical safety manual organized around the work their employees actually perform.