Another death in NJ

[Mark Chisholm]

Here's another terrible story that I hope will never duplicate itself.
Thoughts and Prayers.
Tree Removal Death

 

[SCOTTYNC]

Man what do you say? Bad enough but, to have your mother watch. My family sends thier prayers

 

[Mark Chisholm]

That is a very difficult read. My Mom has been on many jobs, with pizza.

 

[SirTreeRat]

Man that struck a heart-string, what a sad story. Our prayers to the family.

Geez, I would hate to have my Mom see anything like that.

Mark, did you know this company?

 

[Mark Chisholm]

No. There are thousands of companies in NJ, but we are still all connected.

 

[Alves]

Thats terrible to hear, i cannot imagine what that must be like to see, and experience

 

[Climber020]

I have seen them on the road once. What a really sad story. It's bad enough to lose a kid but when you are there to witness it, it's just something I could not imagine.

 

[Brian]

It sounds like he was standing in the "drop zone" not paying attention to what was going on.

 

[Hammer]

Sad experience indeed. Prayers go out to the family and friends.

 

[jerseywild]

my thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

 

[roxy]

What does everybody think about doing a pre-climb/pre-work inspection on trees *around* the one you're working? The only thing to take from this is that every day is different, new slate, so we gotta be present and intelligent every single day. Our thoughts to the families and those who witnessed it, too.

 

[TMW]

Inspecting the trees around the one being removed is part of the ANSI standard:

8.5.1 Before beginning any tree removal operation, the chain-saw operator and/or crew leader shall carefully consider all relevant factors pertaining to the tree and site and shall take appropriate actions to ensure a safe removal operation. The following factors should be
considered:

(a) the area surrounding the tree to be removed, including nearby trees;

(b) species and shape of the tree;

(c) lean of the tree;

(d) loose limbs, chunks, or other overhead material;

(e) wind force and direction;

(f) decayed or weak spots throughout the tree (be aware of additional hazards if these conditions exist in the hinge area);

(g) location and means to protect other persons, property, and electrical conductors;

(h) size and terrain characteristics or limitations of the work area; and

(i) evidence of bees or wildlife habitation in the tree.

 

[roxy]

Thanks TMW. I added that to the safety review, first of day next week.

 

[schwabisch]

my mom god rest her soul, would never come and watch me climb.

 

[RogerM]

Very sad indeed. Was the tree that failed after being struck, struck intentionally? Couldn't figure that from the story. Wishing the family peace.

 

[Toparboring]

Thoughts and prayers to the family. My mother always kisses us good bye when we are working in the area, never comes to the jobs just happy when we return. I can not imagine this one.

 

[KyLimbwalker]

Yes - That story was very sad for me to read. It did sound like an accident. My condolences to the family. This accident did make me think, however, of the forces we use to pull a tree over (notched). Just recently, after purchasing a mini-skid steer, Cory (KySawyer) and I used it to pull over a twin-stemmed, dead maple. With a tag line set in the top, Cory cut the notch (not extending into the back stem). As he started his back cut, I began to pull with the mini-skid. As soon as the saw pinched, I knew what had happened. Instead of waiting for the hinge to work, I had put so much force on the rope that the back fork broke out. Cory wrestled the 066 out and took off running. The lead didn't miss him by much. This recent tragedy in NJ seems similar. I make an effort now to apply the right amount of force to a stem, which is not always more.

 

[SirTreeRat]

Thanks for the story Chris, glad to hear you and Cory are OK.