1910.266(h)(2)(i): Planning a Retreat Path Before Felling
Before felling starts, the feller must plan and clear a retreat path that runs diagonally away from the expected felling line, unless the employer shows that path is more hazardous than another one. Once the backcut is made, the feller must immediately move a safe distance away on the retreat path.
Key takeaways
- 1910.266(h)(2)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 9 times in the last 3 years, in 9 inspections, with $31,881 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.266(h) Tree harvesting (63 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.266(h)(2)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.266 Logging operations, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(i) Before felling is started, the feller shall plan and clear a retreat path. The retreat path shall extend diagonally away from the expected felling line unless the employer demonstrates that such a retreat path poses a greater hazard than an alternate path. Once the backcut has been made the feller shall immediately move a safe distance away from the tree on the retreat path. 9 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.266.
Export the list: 9 inspections cited 1910.266(h)(2)(i) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.266(h)(2)(i).
At 8:00 a.m. on June 14, 2024, Employee #1, employed by a tree-cutting company, was cutting down a tree. After the tree was felled, a limb from an adjacent treebroke off and fell, striking the employee in the head. The employee sustained head trauma and…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.266(h)(2)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.266(h) Tree harvesting 63 citations
- 1910.266(h)(2) Manual felling 33 citations
- 1910.266(h)(1) General requirements 23 citations
- 1910.266(h)(2)(ii) 12 citations
- 1910.266(h)(1)(iv) 5 citations
- 1910.266(h)(2)(vi) 5 citations
- 1910.266(h)(1)(i) 4 citations
- 1910.266(h)(6) Loading and unloading 4 citations
- 1910.266(h)(1)(viii) 2 citations
- 1910.266(h)(2)(vii) 2 citations
- 1910.266(h)(6)(vii) 2 citations
- 1910.266(h)(1)(vii) 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Which way should the retreat path go?
Diagonally away from the expected felling line, unless the employer demonstrates an alternate path is less hazardous.
When must the retreat path be cleared?
Before felling is started.
What do I do after the backcut?
Immediately move a safe distance away from the tree on the retreat path.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.266 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-11-06
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.