Glad I am alive!

dieselcutter

dieselcutter

Location
Fayetteville AR
A little back ground first.
I worked in logging as a cutter right out of highschool the first 3 1/2+years of my career.
Last July I got a chance to go full time with my own aboriculture company and took it now I am doing that.
Here's what happened. The person that replaced me somehow had a tree fall on him yesterday and was killed. I don't know details on exactly what happened no one probably knows for sure. I was ruled an accident by the coroner. He was young (21) and I hadn't met him to know his experience level.
I know I am lucky to never get seriously injured ( the only one besides truck drivers to have not been to the emergency room). Even though there were a few close calls. Out there it's not if its when you get hurt, and how bad.
There is a reason logging is either first or second most dangerous job with commercial fishing.
Stay safe!
 
"...if a tree don't fall on me,
I'll live 'til I die"

RIP nameless sawyer.

Kinda the same story here J. Glad I got into the ever so much safer job of tree climbing. Truth is, any job can be done safely, just depends on your safety awareness level. I worked for some real clowns back in my logging days and yes, glad I made it out alive. I've also worked for some very professional outfits that mandated PPE use, tailgate safety meetings, routine training, well stocked FA kits, etc. The pro outfits have much fewer accidents and casualties, much like in the arbo world. (they also paid better)
 
I should have said that about the company. They did mandate hard hats and chaps. But not really training or FA. They were a really good company to work for and long as we were in good timber and things were going good. He took me green and trained me. I'll always respect him for that. I miss some things about logging but love climbing. True anything can be done safely but nothing is without risk. Always work within your skill level.
 
I'm glad you're still verticle and mobile as well. I know what you mean. Sometimes I scare myself (get the willies, heebie-jeebies, what ever you call them) when I remember how I almost ended up...

I don't know the percentage of luck/God's mercy that is needed. I do know that the more training, experience, and right attitude you have the less luck you need. Always seems to be a part of it though.
 
Details on what happened.
He was working the bottom of a steep hollow and cut a tree that was supporting a tree up the hill that the rootball had been broke free in a storm. Then dominoing down right on top of him. I dont know if he knew this and tried to work with it or didn't see it at all, or wasn't paying attention. No one was right there when it happen the skidder got back and he was obliterated.
 
Jeremy: Sorry to hear about that. I know it is very tragic for his family and friends.

I'm glad you're alive as well. Makes you appreciate some things a bit more, huh?

Here's a question I've had that relates to that tragic incident. I start out by saying that I know each situation you have to size up based on it's own circumstances, but I'm wondering if there is a rule of thumb to start with.

Regarding a hung-up tree in another. Is it best to try and safely make some appropriate cuts on the hanging tree to try and dislodge it first? And if it is not safe or practicle to then try and drop the supporting tree. Or climb and cut the branch it's leaning on?

Just curious. This is what I have learned, but I'm always wanting to check with those with more experience than I. I'm not knocking the young man who was killed, I was just wondering if the circustances were that maybe he wasn't able to try and make some cuts on the hanger so he tried to cut the support. You probably didn't see the scene, so I don't know if you have that info.

Thanks, and anyone else who wants to throw their two pennies in I'll take it.
 
In logging situations we always used to hook the chocker to the hung tree and pull it down with the skidder. The other way was to put a "roll" on the tree. Hook the chocker up, and wrap it an additonal time in the direction you wish to roll the tree. Then let the hydrolics do the work and stand clear. I beleive that is even what chainsaw owners manuals say. I would never cut the supporting tree or even go up it.
 
In answer to your question tcsafety.
Regarding a leaner like this there is no standard procedure it's all situation specific. I usually set up a bore cut and tripped the strap on the supporting tree and that gave time to get out of the kill zone that was based on the situation if I felt it was safe enough to do that.
I DO NOT reccomend anyone doing that if they are not extremely experienced . Or used the skidder but that REALLY slows down production especially if its at the bottom of a hollow and you have to go up to the top to winch it down.
I only know one other cutter around here that even knows how to use a bore cut effectively. And climbing is out of the question.

My own gut feeling of what happened is he possibly didn't notice the leaning tree and if he did he was most likely using the conventional 3/4 cutting technique that he was taught and that will not give you time to get out of danger.
I was on that particular tract of timber but don't know exactly which hollow it happened in.
 
....plus, your woods are really messed up from that ice storm - a death trap for loggers and a firestorm waiting to happen. All those hangers and widowmakers in that steep, rocky Ozark terain makes for a very unfriendly work environment, glad I'm not doing that.
 
Jeremy I'm so glad for your friendship and love. Thank you for your kindness and polite manner. Everyone digs you. I know that wierd feeling that comes over you when someone kicks in this industry and I hope it doesn't offset your groove too much man. Hope to see you Friday or Saturday bra. love you.
 
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