1910.266(d)(6)(iii): Staying in Sight or Hearing of Another Logger
Each employee doing logging work at a logging site must work in a position or location within visual or audible contact with another employee.
Key takeaways
- 1910.266(d)(6)(iii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 5 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $7,200 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.266(d) General requirements (90 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.266(d)(6)(iii) 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
(iii) Each employee performing a logging operation at a logging work site shall work in a position or location that is within visual or audible contact with another employee. 5 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.266.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.266(d)(6)(iii).
At 9:45 a.m. on November 4, 2024, an employee working as a laborer for an aluminum processor was cutting the branches of a tree with a chainsaw. The vineshad not been removed before starting the cuts. Vines fell onto the employee's face, and while trying…
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
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.266(d)(6)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.266(d)(6)(iii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.266(d) General requirements 90 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1) Personal protective equipment 40 citations
- 1910.266(d)(2) First-aid kits 24 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1)(iv) 14 citations
- 1910.266(d)(2)(i) 14 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1)(vi) 11 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1)(vii) 11 citations
- 1910.266(d)(6) Work areas 10 citations
- 1910.266(d)(4) Fire extinguishers 9 citations
- 1910.266(d)(2)(ii) 8 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1)(vii)(B) 7 citations
- 1910.266(d)(7) Signaling and signal equipment 4 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Can a logger work alone out of contact?
No. Each must be within visual or audible contact with another employee.
What counts as contact?
Being able to see or hear another employee.
Who does this apply to?
Each employee performing a logging operation at a logging work site.
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 2026-10-22
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.