* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * INFORMATION ALERT * * * * Produced by: New Brunswick Occupational Health * * and Safety Commission * * Provided by: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * INFO ALERT: 32 (NB) DATE: NONE *** HAZARD SUMMARY: TREE FALLS ON WOODSWORKER *** An 18 year old woodsworker died when he was struck by a large white pine. The pine tree did not fall when notched and back-cut until after a second nearby tree had been felled. The deceased had been temporarily assigned to help the feller. Normally, he was employed to slash tree lengths at the roadside. The dangerous situation developed when the tree cut by the feller failed to fall. Since they did not have a wedge or felling lever with them they decided to continue to work while waiting for the skidder to return and push the tree down. The feller successfully felled a second pine tree. The deceased was unexpectedly struck by the first tree while delimbing the second tree. *** APPLICABLE SECTION(S) OF INDUSTRIAL REGULATIONS *** 1. New workers, or workers assigned to new work, shall be provided such information, training and supervision as are necessary to ensure their health and safety. 2. All workers shall ensure their own health and safety and that of other persons at or near the place of employment. Act 12(b) 3. All work shall be stopped until the first tree is safely to the ground. Reg. 33(27) Explanation: Both workers should have stopped all work when the first tree did not fall. They should have remained in the area at a safe distance to warn against the tree accidentally falling on others. 4. All fellers should have a wedge or felling lever in their possession. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *