www.cdc.gov/niosh/face

DATE: 

August 8, 2013

TIME: 

8:50 a.m. 

VICTIM:

31-year old tree feller

INDUSTRY/NAICS CODE:

Forestry/11

EMPLOYER: 

Logging

SAFETY & TRAINING:

The company had a 

comprehensive safety 

program

SCENE: 

Forested area

LOCATION:

North Carolina

EVENT TYPE: 

Struck by

___________________________

INCIDENT HIGHLIGHTS

 

REPORT#: 2015-04 REPORT DATE: April 12, 2018

Feller Struck by Dead Locust Tree While 

Felling Adjacent Tree—North Carolina

________________________________________________________ 

SUMMARY

On August 8, 2014, a 31-year-old tree feller died after he was struck 

by a dead tree. At the time of the incident, two fellers were working 

on a wood lot in separate cut blocks approximately 600 feet apart. 

The fatally injured feller had cut a poplar tree and retreated to the 

chosen escape path. However, before he could escape the area, he 

was struck by a dead locust tree that had been caught in the poplar 

branches... READ THE FULL REPORT> (p.3)

________________________________________________________ 

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

Key contributing factors identified in this investigation include:

• Snagged dead tree

• Weather

• Emergency plan

________________________________________________________

RECOMMENDATIONS

NIOSH investigators concluded that, to help prevent similar 

occurrences, employers should: 

• Conduct a site assessment and develop a site safety plan based 

on hazards identified before felling activities begin

• Train fellers to evaluate the area around timber to be felled to 

identify potential hazards and take appropriate control 

measures.

• Develop and implement a plan for inclement weather... LEARN 

MORE> (p.6)
Page 2

NIOSH • 304-285-5916

1095 Willowdale Road

Morgantown, West Virginia 

26505

Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), an institute within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

(CDC), is the federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related 

injury and illness. In 1982, NIOSH initiated the Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program. FACE examines the

circumstances of targeted causes of traumatic occupational so that safety professionals, researchers, employers, trainers, and workers 

can learn from these incidents. The primary goal of these investigations is for NIOSH to make recommendations to prevent similar

occurrences. These NIOSH investigations are intended to reduce or prevent occupational deaths and are completely separate from the 

rule making, enforcement and inspection activities of any other federal or state agency. Under the FACE program, NIOSH investigators 

interview persons with knowledge of the incident and review available records to develop a description of the conditions and 

circumstances leading to the deaths in order to provide a context for the agency’s recommendations. The NIOSH summary of these 

conditions and circumstances in its reports is not intended as a legal statement of facts. This summary, as well as the conclusions and 

recommendations made by NIOSH, should not be used for the purpose of litigation or the adjudication of any claim. For further 

information, visit the program website at www.cdc.gov/niosh/face/ or call toll free at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).
REPORT#: 2015-04 Page 3

SUMMARY

On August 8, 2014, a 31-year-old tree feller died after he was struck by a dead tree. At the time of the incident, two 

fellers were working on a wood lot in separate cut blocks approximately 600 feet apart. The fatally injured feller had cut 

a poplar tree and retreated to the chosen escape path. However, before he could escape the area, he was struck by a 

dead locust tree that had been caught in the poplar branches. Shortly after the incident, the owner arrived on-site and 

tried to reach the fellers by radio. Only one feller responded. The second feller went to the cut block, found the feller 

under the tree and radioed the owner to call 911. Emergency medical services arrived on-site within 20 minutes to find 

the feller unresponsive.

INTRODUCTION

On August 8, 2014, a 31-year-old tree feller died after being struck by a dead tree. On August 8, 2014, the employer 

notified the North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) of the incident. On September 15, 2015, a health scientist 

from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Division of Safety Research, Fatality Assessment 

and Control Evaluation program conducted an investigation of the fatality and reviewed circumstances of the incident 

with the investigating NCDOL safety compliance officer. Photographs of the incident site and statements taken by the 

NCDOL safety compliance officer were reviewed. In addition, the medical examiner report was reviewed. 

EMPLOYERS

The timber felling company had been in business since 2012 and employed three people. The business focused on 

timber felling, forestry consulting, and forest operations. The owner had been felling for 8 years. A separate contractor 

was hired to perform logging on the tract, but was not on site at the time of the incident. 

WRITTEN SAFETY PROGRAMS and TRAINING

The company had a documented, comprehensive safety and health program that addressed hazard analysis, emergency 

response planning, danger ribbons, kickback zones, radio communication, spring pole education, tension wood 

education, and personal protective equipment (PPE). The employees were trained using the British Columbia WorkSafe 

feller training standard [BCFSC n.d.a] and OSHA 1910.266 Logging Operations [OSHA 2014]. All employees trained as a 

feller are under direct supervision of the lead feller for at least 4 months before they were determined to be competent

to fell trees. Additionally, fellers were trained using the British Columbia WorkSafe program on how to identify 

dangerous trees. Employees had received first aid CPR training in the past but their certificates were not up to date.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Employer-provided safety equipment included head, neck, eye, face, hearing, hand, and leg protection. It also included 

high-visibility apparel, foot wear, whistles, two-way radios, first aid kits, a felling axe, two wedges, a chainsaw, a spare 

chain, gas and bar oil, water, and an all-terrain vehicle.
REPORT#: 2015-04 Page 4

WORKER INFORMATION

The male feller was 31 and had worked for the employer for 2 years as a feller. The feller had shadowed another 

employee upon initial employment and was still subject to active field mentoring and random audits. 

EQUIPMENT and PERSONNEL

Two timber fellers were on-site using chainsaws to directionally fell trees. The chainsaw used by the feller was a 

Husqvarna 340 with a 32-inch bar. The logging contractor was involved in logging activities on the tract, with equipment 

on-site belonging to the logging employer, but none of their employees were on this site. The fellers typically worked 

from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

WEATHER

When the fellers arrived on-site at 7:00 a.m., the temperature was 62 degrees with scattered clouds. At the time of the 

incident at 9:00 a.m., the temperature was 64 degrees and raining. [Weather Underground 2014]. Weather may have 

been a factor in this incident. The rain may have interfered with the feller being able to clearly see the locust tree 

leaning on the poplar tree.

INCIDENT SCENE

The incident occurred in a rural area on a 155-acre wood lot (Photo). The work was spaced into cutblocks, which were 

random in size and were defined by the topography. The two workers were spaced 600 feet apart to limit hazards 

created by each other’s felling activities. The operation involved manual felling of hardwood and pine trees. No logging 

Photo. Felling job site.

(Photo courtesy of NCDOL)
REPORT#: 2015-04 Page 5

activities were allowed in the cutblocks where felling operations took place. The job had started in July of 2014, so the 

company had been on-site for several weeks. Emergency medical services (EMS) was located approximately 15 minutes 

from the work site.

INVESTIGATION

On August 8, 2014, the two fellers arrived on-site at 7:00 a.m. and discussed the cutblocks and safety activities before 

beginning work. They had been working on-site since July 2014. Once the fellers gathered their equipment, they went to 

their respective cutblocks. When the fellers arrived on-site it was cool and cloudy. It started to drizzle around 7:30 a.m., 

and the rain began around 9:00 a.m. Around 8:45 a.m., the fellers corresponded by radio and they could hear each 

other’s chainsaws. The fellers were directionally felling and the retreat paths were generally diagonal uphill. The slope of 

the hill ranged from 25 to 30 degrees. The feller involved in this incident was cutting a poplar tree approximately 100 

feet tall. The feller had identified an escape path toward the left, uphill, and at a diagonal 20 degrees from the direction 

of fall. The escape path was clear of debris for 20 feet. There were no witnesses to the incident. However evidence

suggests that the 65-foot dead locust tree had fallen and was leaning against the limb of the poplar tree, caught in its 

branches. The locust tree was approximately 18 feet uphill from the poplar (Diagram). Apparently, the feller did not 

realize the dead locust was caught in the poplar branches. The rain may have interfered with the feller having a clear 

view above. The feller cut the poplar tree and began his retreat up the hill but after traveling 6 feet up the escape path 

was struck by the locust tree as it was pulled over by the falling popular tree. 

At the time of the incident, the two fellers were working in separate cut blocks approximately 600 feet apart. Shortly 

after the incident, around 9:00 a.m., the owner arrived on-site and tried to reach the fellers by radio; only one feller 

responded. The second feller tried to reach the feller again by radio with no response. The second feller went to the cut 

block, found the feller under the locust tree, and radioed the owner to call 911. The second feller began CPR at 9:24 a.m. 

The owner found the feller’s chainsaw idling with the chain brake engaged and set forward. The owner sent the feller 

down to assist EMS in locating the injured worker and resumed CPR. EMS arrived on-site within 20 minutes to find the 

feller unresponsive. 

CAUSE OF DEATH 

The medical examiner listed the cause of death as blunt force trauma and suffocation.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS 

Occupational injuries and fatalities are often the result of one or more contributing factors or key events in a larger 

sequence of events that ultimately result in the injury or fatality. NIOSH investigators identified the following 

unrecognized hazards as key contributing factors in this incident:

• Snagged dead tree

• Weather

• Emergency plan
REPORT#: 2015-04 Page 6

RECOMMENDATIONS/DISCUSSION

Recommendation #1 Employers should conduct a site assessment and develop a site safety plan based on 

hazards identified before felling activities begin

Prior to the start of felling operations a qualified person should conduct and document a site assessment and develop a 

site safety plan based on the hazards identified. This assessment should review aerial photographs, forest cover and 

terrain maps, forest management guidelines, site plans, and stand management guidelines. The site assessment should 

include the site history, common rain, snow, and ice conditions, flooding, tree uproot, tree top condition, tree injury, 

tree lean, and other site specific factors. During this assessment hazardous trees should be documented and marked or 

removed by a qualified feller. Dangerous trees that require no surrounding work activity but are not removed should 

have flagging and a no-work zone created around them depending on the size of tree and hazard presented. Dangerous 

trees that require surrounding work activity should be marked with flagging, paint, or other effective marking 

techniques, and the workers should be informed of the appropriate safety precautions necessary for working around 

that tree. The degree of hazard will vary with each tree by the size of tree, type of tree, tree sweep, tree location, slope 

of land, location of damage to the tree, and nature of worker activities. A tree can be hazardous if it has defects at the 

tree top, intertwined branches with other trees, dead limbs, witches broom (deformed mass of twigs and branches, 

which appear broom-like in appearance), split trunks, stem damage, bark falling off, cankers, mushroom growth, tree 

lean, and root disturbance. Tree inspections should only be conducted on trees which are visually “suspect” (i.e., they 

are damaged or potentially dangerous) and tree inspections should be to the highest disturbance level (i.e., work 

activity) you expect to attain on site. [BCFSC 2017] 

The work area should be assessed for hazardous trees:

• prior to any workers entering the area 

• if more than three days have passed since the previous assessment

• if the level of disturbance is different from the initial intended work activity [BCFSC 2017]

Diagram. Incident scene
REPORT#: 2015-04 Page 7

At the time of the incident there was no bark on the dead locust tree and it apparently was leaning against and hung up 

in the poplar tree. As the popular fell after being cut, it completely uprooted the locust tree.

Recommendation #2: Employers should train fellers to evaluate the area around timber to be felled to 

identify potential hazards and take appropriate control measures.

Discussion: Employers should train fellers to evaluate the area around timber to be felled to identify potential hazards 

and take appropriate control measures. Employers should ensure that employees assess trees and surrounding areas to 

identify potential hazards and implement control measures. Employers should train employees to look for dead hung up 

or snagged trees and limbs and communicate with each other about these hazards. 

The following should be considered:

• Develop a safe work plan prior to removing the trees. 

• Plan escape routes. 

• Assess whether the hung-up tree can be felled safely.

• Assess the hung-up tree with another experienced feller if necessary. 

• If a feller cannot fell the hung-up tree safely, consider an alternative felling method or flagging the area so no 

workers enter the area.

• Never work in the danger zone under a hung-up tree. 

• Keep the trunk of the supporting tree between yourself and the hung-up tree [BCFSC 2012b].

The employer trained their fellers on identifying hazards. The tree canopy of the cutblock was dense, but did not reduce 

visibility in the cutblock. At the time of the incident there was no bark on the dead locust tree, which apparently was 

leaning against and hung up in the popular tree entwine. Since the incident, the employer has added weekly training 

that includes the following safety measures: 

• Updated emergency response plan

• Use of danger ribbons for hazards

• Radio communications

• Spring pole safety

• Reading tension wood

• Kickback zone on the bar

• Calked boots 

• Slips and trips

Recommendation #3: Employers should develop and implement a plan for inclement weather.

Employers should develop a plan for inclement weather conditions. It was raining at the time of the incident. The rain 

may have reduced the visibility for the workers. Employers and employees should discuss potential weather conditions 

that could be encountered during work. Fog, rain, and snow reduce visibility, muffle sound, and cause slippery footing 

increasing the risk to workers during felling activities. Employers should mitigate hazards and take precautions imposed 

by inclement weather to ensure worker safety. Employers should consider halting operations or implementing the 

shutdown procedures if conditions significantly reduce visibility or footing. Shutdown procedures include assuring all 
REPORT#: 2015-04 Page 8

workers are accounted for before leaving the operating area. In inclement conditions, employers should ensure 

increased safe distances are maintained. Standard safe distances are a minimum of two tree lengths between fellers 

[BCFSC 2012b; OSHA 2014]. 

Recommendation #4: Employers should develop, implement, and train on an emergency response plan.

Discussion: Employers should develop and train on an emergency response plan. The fellers were working in a remote 

location, which requires prior planning for emergency events. Employers and employees should discuss potential 

emergency response events and develop appropriate action plans. Also, employers should contact local mutual aid and 

emergency medical services (EMS) to review the job location and emergency response plan with them. Elements of an 

emergency response plan should include man-check procedures to account for the location and well-being of each 

worker and first aid coverage.

Man-check procedures:

• Establish a man-check system, using methods like radios or phones, to contact workers at regular intervals, i.e., 

start of day, every 20–30 min, and end of day. 

• When working in inclement weather, the contact frequency should increase. 

• If there is no response, walk over to check after ensuring it is safe to enter the felling area. 

• If you hear a whistle or a call for help, alert First Aid then go to render assistance immediately; take what is needed 

for a potential rescue; i.e., tools, chainsaw and first aid kit.

First Aid Coverage. For first aid coverage to be effective in case of an emergency, everyone in the operation must know:

• The location of first aid supplies, equipment, and services

• Emergency numbers and the radio frequencies, who and how to call

• Daily process to test communication system

• Call-out locations, radio and cell phone dead zones

• Layout of worksite or GPS coordinates 

• Information on how to transport an injured worker to medical aid, including workers requiring stretcher transport 

• An outline for basic treatment and injured worker care 

In this incident, the employer called 911 and EMS arrived 20 minutes later but needed assistance from the second feller 

to find the location. The emergency response plan should be practiced and evaluated at each new jobsite or at least 

annually [U.S. Forest Service 2014; BCFSC n.d.b, BCFSC2012a; BCFSC 2012b]. 

Recommendation #5: Employers should train employees on wilderness first responder and cardiopulmonary 

resuscitation (CPR).

Discussion: Employers should train employees on first aid and CPR, but when work regularly requires employees to work 

in remote locations, employers should train employees on wilderness first responder and CPR. Working in remote 

locations requires additional planning and training. Response times for EMS are frequently delayed depending on the 

remoteness of the work location. [American Red Cross 2014; Wilderness Medical Associates 2012; Wilderness Medical 

Associates International n.d.] Because of this, employers should provide training to allow workers to provide an 

additional level of wilderness first aid care and CPR. Employers should also provide additional first aid supplies, like an 
REPORT#: 2015-04 Page 9

automated external defibrillator (or AED), required for remote response activities. In this incident, the employees had 

received first aid CPR training in the past but their certificates were not up to date. 

Recommendation #6: Employers should develop and implement a safety and communication plan for lone 

workers.

Discussion: Employers should develop a communication plan for lone workers. Working alone cannot always be avoided, 

but work activities and safety measures can be put into place to reduce the risk of working alone. In this incident, the 

two workers were working alone in the woods, approximately 600 feet apart from each other and without visual 

contact. When the supervisor arrived on-site, one of the two employees did not respond to radio communication. The 

safety procedure in place was a man-check procedure. 

Employers and employees should discuss potential hazards posed by the job tasks and additional risks imposed by

working alone. Employers should mitigate these hazards and put safety measures in place. Employers should train 

employees on the hazards of working alone and the hazard mitigation strategies being used. Some hazard mitigation 

strategies include: 

• Work in pairs if possible.

• Establish a daily check in and check out system.

• Identify specific work tasks and methods that will be accomplished and set limits on what is permissible during 

lone work. 

• Establish man-check procedures and radio, phone, or other formal communication every 20 to 30 minutes and 

more frequently for inclement weather. Information on location should be conveyed during this communication. 

• Develop a hand signal communication system. 

• If possible, maintain visual contact with other workers and wear high-visibility apparel. 

• Shut off chainsaw every 20 to 30 minutes to listen for your partner and do a radio check.

• Use technology like automatic warning devices to track lone workers [for example NFPA 1982; Blackline Safety 

n.d.; Grace Industries n.d.; Lone worker solutions n.d]. 

• Require supervisors to check on lone workers periodically throughout the day.

• If supervisors cannot reach the lone worker, they should report to the jobsite to locate the worker.

• Assure that everyone knows the emergency response plan, has training on first aid and CPR, has a way to contact 

emergency services, and knows how to direct emergency response to the job site [BCFSC, 2012a; Musick 2015; 

NIOSH 2005, 2006; Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, 2011].

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

BC Forest Safety [n.d.]. Faller certification. Nanaimo, BC, Canada: British Columbia Forestry Safety Council.

This website provides information on how to apply and be certified to safely fell trees based on British Columbia 

standards. In British Columbia, all manual tree fellers in forestry operations must be trained and certified. The 

BC Forest Safety Council (BCFSC) is authorized to administer feller certification in the Province of BC. According 

to the British Columbia Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) 26.22 (2) (a), new fellers are required 

to take basic training in felling trees by working one-on-one with a qualified feller or trainer for a period of not 

less than 30 days. This training must be conducted through an approved administrator.

BC Forest Safety [n.d.]. Emergency Response Planning. Nanaimo, BC, Canada: British Columbia Forestry Safety Council.
REPORT#: 2015-04 Page 10

This website has information on developing emergency response plans, videos on emergency planning in forestry, 

emergency response and first aid, emergency response on the road, and emergency response at home.

NOLS [n.d.]. Wilderness first aid. Lander, WY: National Outdoor Leadership School.

This course offers hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine, taught over two or two and a half days. Topics covered 

include the patient assessment system, how to provide effective first aid treatments for injuries and illnesses common in 

the outdoors, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions.

University of Northern British Columbia [2017]. Wildlife Danger Tree Assessor Certificate: Forest Harvesting and 

Silviculture Module Prince George, BC, Canada

This two-day classroom and field course trains participants to identify wildlife trees and assess steps necessary to ensure 

worker safety and habitat protection when operating around wildlife/dangerous trees. 

DISCLAIMER

Mention of any company or product does not constitute endorsement by the National Institute for Occupational Safety 

and Health (NIOSH). In addition, citations to websites external to NIOSH do not constitute NIOSH endorsement of the 

sponsoring organizations or their programs or products. Furthermore, NIOSH is not responsible for the content of these 

websites. All web addresses referenced in this document were accessible as of the publication date.

REFERENCES

American Red Cross [2014]. Wilderness and remote first aid. Washington, DC: American Red Cross.

BCFSC [2017]. Wildlife/danger tree assessor’s course workbook, forest harvesting and silviculture course module. 

Nanaimo, BC, Canada: British Columbia Forestry Safety Council, WorkSafe. 

BCFSC [2012a]. BC faller training standard 1. Nanaimo, BC, Canada: British Columbia Forestry Safety Council, WorkSafe.

BCFSC [2012b]. BC faller training standard 2. Nanaimo, BC, Canada: British Columbia Forestry Safety Council, WorkSafe.

BCFSC [n.d.a]. Faller certification. Vancouver, BC, Canada: British Columbia Forestry Safety Council, WorkSafe. 

BCFSC [n.d.b]. Guide to creating an emergency response plan. Nanaimo, BC, Canada: British Columbia Forestry Safety 

Council, WorkSafe.

Blackline Safety [n.d.] Lone worker detection. Calgary, AB Canada

Grace Industries [n.d.]. Grace Lone Worker Safety Systems. Fredonia, PA

Lone worker solutions [n.d.]. Safe Hub. Edison, NJ

Musick T [2015]. Lone worker safety, Saf Health, July 25. 

NFPA [1982]. Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS). Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association
REPORT#: 2015-04 Page 11

NIOSH [2005]. Part-time metal salvager died when crushed in tractor overturn with loader. Morgantown, WV: 

Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for 

Occupational Safety and Health, Iowa Case Report: 05IA004.

NIOSH [2006]. Ranch worker killed by pressurized water striking eye. Morgantown, WV; US. Department of Health and 

Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 

Oregon Case Report: 06-OR-025 

OSHA [2014]. 29 CFR 1910.266(h)(2)(i–vii) Logging operations. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational 

Safety and Health Administration. 

U.S Forest Service [2014]. 6725 Emergency Medical Services. In: Forest service manual Intermountain Region, R4. 

Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service. 

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries [2011]. A commercial cleaning company worker dies of carbon 

monoxide (CO) poisoning at a warehouse in Washington State. Olympia, WA: Washington State Department of Labor & 

Industries, Washington State FACE Program, 06WA021. 

Weather Underground [2014]. Weather history for K0A9, August 8. Atlanta, GA: The Weather Channel Interactive, Inc.

Wilderness Medical Associates [2012]. Wilderness medicine field protocols. Portland, ME: Wilderness Medical 

Associates. 

Wilderness Medical Associates International [n.d.]. Wilderness first responder—WFR. Portland, ME: Wilderness Medical 

Associates International. 

INVESTIGATOR INFORMATION

This investigation was conducted by Jennifer E. Lincoln, Health Scientist, Fatality Investigations Team, Surveillance and 

Field Investigation Branch, Division of Safety Research.

ACKNOWLEDGEMEMENT

The NIOSH FACE Program would like to acknowledge the compliance officer and staff of the North Carolina Department 

of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Division for providing assistance and information for this investigation and 

Todd Schoonover from the Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) at Washington State 

Department of Labor & Industries Washington.