oldballs
Elite Member
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2009
- Messages
- 4,476
- Location
- Kansas...USA
- Tractor
- Kubota B2620 , Case 448 , Kubota B2650
Amen.
Killed by falling tree
- Thread starter MHarryE
- Start date
- Views: 12843
Mitkof
Bronze Member
Yep, Lord Bless and protect the cutters, as it’s a dangerous occupation.
In 70s I was a feller for LP earning a whopping $10 per thousand board feet. Tough winter directional felling along a 500kv transmission line right of way. Lots of other cutters quit, I stayed on to learn from the best. Timber felling requires caution and knowing when to walk away, tomorrow is another day. Learn the trade, especially how to jack a tree, pull a tree and push a tree safely. Understand the proper amount and placement of holding wood. Never start felling without your wedges. Always expect widow makers and cut your exit route before you put in the face cut. Remember hardwood and softwood are totally different species and certain ones are prone to barber chairing. If the wind is wrong, walk away. Remember OSHA study that showed timber cutting accidents go up 300% after 6 hours of cutting, because the feller is tired. Be safe, stay alive…
In 70s I was a feller for LP earning a whopping $10 per thousand board feet. Tough winter directional felling along a 500kv transmission line right of way. Lots of other cutters quit, I stayed on to learn from the best. Timber felling requires caution and knowing when to walk away, tomorrow is another day. Learn the trade, especially how to jack a tree, pull a tree and push a tree safely. Understand the proper amount and placement of holding wood. Never start felling without your wedges. Always expect widow makers and cut your exit route before you put in the face cut. Remember hardwood and softwood are totally different species and certain ones are prone to barber chairing. If the wind is wrong, walk away. Remember OSHA study that showed timber cutting accidents go up 300% after 6 hours of cutting, because the feller is tired. Be safe, stay alive…
Mitkof
Bronze Member
Afterthought: Just FYI, current rules of the road for all loggers.
Here are US Dept of Labor Logging safety standards 29 CFR 1910.266:
Ref: https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9862
“The Logging Operations standard establishes safety practices, means, methods, and operations for all types of logging, regardless of the end use of the wood and regardless if the activity results in a commercial (for sale) product -- 29 CFR 1910.266(b)(1).”
Here are US Dept of Labor Logging safety standards 29 CFR 1910.266:
Ref: https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9862
“The Logging Operations standard establishes safety practices, means, methods, and operations for all types of logging, regardless of the end use of the wood and regardless if the activity results in a commercial (for sale) product -- 29 CFR 1910.266(b)(1).”
buckeyefarmer
Epic Contributor
Sorry for the loss.
PILOON
Super Star Member
Just yesterday my close friend told me he refused to cut a dead tree for his client.
Another guy, either eager or hungry, took on the job and did so on a windy day.
That guy is in hospital with fractured collar bone, arm and pelvis.
Wind combined with chainsaw vibration caused upper limbs to detach.
They don't call them widow makers for nothing.
Another guy, either eager or hungry, took on the job and did so on a windy day.
That guy is in hospital with fractured collar bone, arm and pelvis.
Wind combined with chainsaw vibration caused upper limbs to detach.
They don't call them widow makers for nothing.
I'm very sorry to hear about this, my condolences to everyone involved... yes, I would like to know what went wrong. I normally don't respond to tree cutting threads... it's not something you can learn by reading online. Reason I'm interested is I mainly cut dead trees... and have three more lined up to do...
I got out of the tree cutting business a long time ago and now just do it for friends in need... I'm extra (extra) careful when I cut a tree down but there is always a chance something might go wrong. Loved the comment about "...cutting accidents go up 300%..." towards the end of the day... been there.
Went to cut one before Christmas but the winds kicked up in the wrong direction... I bagged it for another day. Normally work with the owner, make sure he's way out of the way, I have my "escape" route. Try and look for "problems" overhead several times but I'm sure the unexpected will happen sooner or later...
I got out of the tree cutting business a long time ago and now just do it for friends in need... I'm extra (extra) careful when I cut a tree down but there is always a chance something might go wrong. Loved the comment about "...cutting accidents go up 300%..." towards the end of the day... been there.
Went to cut one before Christmas but the winds kicked up in the wrong direction... I bagged it for another day. Normally work with the owner, make sure he's way out of the way, I have my "escape" route. Try and look for "problems" overhead several times but I'm sure the unexpected will happen sooner or later...
OP
MHarryE
Elite Member
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2009
- Messages
- 2,970
- Location
- Northeastern Minnesota
- Tractor
- Kubota M7-171, M5-111, SVL75-2, RTV900XT & GR2120; CaseIH 1680 combine
Very sensitive issue here. Ai just don't know how to drive the 2 miles down the road to talk with them - it's a family grieving period. Call came in to the EMTs at 5:34, well after sundown. When Scott didn't come in at dark, his wife called their son (I believe he is 21 now) to Ho look. He found his dad under the tree. We haven't had it cold yet this year by our terms but that means high that day was in the mid teens, one of the coldest this season when we expect below zero highs. Working in the woods you are usually down to a flannel shirt at most, tee shirt common, at these temps. Even if just pinned, however, a body can't take much at our temps, especially if you're soaked with sweat.
Obituary | Scott Thomas | MLAKER FUNERAL HOME
Obituary | Scott Thomas | MLAKER FUNERAL HOME
gwstang
Platinum Member
"barber chairing"...Could you tell me what this is? I've never heard this term before, thanks.
