OSHA Regulations & Logging Accidents – Failing to Inspect Tools Prior to Use

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Logging accidents are rare, but when they occur, they usually result in death or very serious injury. The main reason is that logging operations usually occur far from any medical help. So when a worker is injured in a logging accident, they may be hours from the nearest hospital.

Two of the most common types of issues leading to logging accidents are failing to train workers properly and failing to inspect equipment. A combination of the two usually leads to a serious accident. Basically a poorly trained worker using equipment that hasn’t been inspected is an accident waiting to happen.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regulates every type of workplace. From construction sites to logging operations, OSHA regulations are designed to protect all workers.

The following OSHA regulations apply to inspection of logging tools prior to use:

1910.266(e)(1)(i):  The employer shall assure that each hand and portable powered tool, including any tool provided by an employee, is maintained in serviceable condition.
1910.266(e)(1)(ii): The employer shall assure that each tool, including any tool provided by an employee, is inspected before initial use during each work shift. At a minimum, the inspection shall include the following:

1910.266(e)(1)(ii)(A): Handles and guards, to assure that they are sound, tight-fitting, properly shaped, free of splinters and sharp edges, and in place;
1910.266(e)(1)(ii)(B): Controls, to assure proper function;
1910.266(e)(1)(ii)(C): Chain-saw chains, to assure proper adjustment;
1910.266(e)(1)(ii)(D): Chain-saw mufflers, to assure that they are operational and in place;
1910.266(e)(1)(ii)(E): Chain brakes and nose shielding devices, to assure that they are in place and function properly;
1910.266(e)(1)(ii)(F): Heads of shock, impact-driven and driving tools, to assure that there is no mushrooming;
1910.266(e)(1)(ii)(G): Cutting edges, to assure that they are sharp and properly shaped; and
1910.266(e)(1)(ii)(H): All other safety devices, to assure that they are in place and function properly.
1910.266(e)(1)(iii): The employer shall assure that each tool is used only for purposes for which it has been designed.

When a company or business fails to inspect equipment and allows faulty equipment to be used by an ill-trained worker, the risk of an accident increases exponentially.

A Pennsylvania or New Jersey worker injured in a logging accident can make a workers’ compensation claim. However, there may be additional claims against other companies, businesses or product manufacturers. It is vital to have the case evaluated by a knowledgeable workplace accident lawyer.

Related Legal Article: Logging Accident Lawsuits – Claims Made Where a Worker was Struck by Equipment

To submit your case for review by our Pennsylvania and New Jersey logging accident lawyers, call Click To Call.  Our lawyers are available for a free, no obligation legal consultation, and can obtain special admission in other states, such as New York or Delaware, on a case by case basis.

Our logging accident attorneys represent workers in the following areas: Allegheny County, PA; Berks County, PA; Bucks County, PA; Chester County, PA; Delaware County, PA; Lehigh County, PA; Montgomery County, PA; Northampton County, PA: Philadelphia County, PA; Atlantic County, NJ; Burlington County, NJ; Camden County, NJ; Cumberland County, NJ; Gloucester County, NJ; Salem County, NJ; New Castle County, DE; Kent County, DE; Atlantic City, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Newark, NJ; Doylestown, PA; Media, PA; West Chester, PA; Norristown, PA; Camden, NJ; Wilmington, DE; Newark, DE; Georgetown, DE; and New Castle, DE. Our lawyers can obtain special admission in other states on a case by case basis.

**This website does not provide legal advice.  Every case is unique and it is crucial to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case.  See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.

Published: June 11, 2012