1910.266(h)(1)(i): Safe Tree Felling Direction
Trees must not be felled in a way that may create a hazard for an employee, such as striking a rope, cable, power line or machine.
Key takeaways
- 1910.266(h)(1)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $45,846 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)(1)(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) Trees shall not be felled in a manner that may create a hazard for an employee, such as but not limited to, striking a rope, cable, power line, or machine. 4 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.266.
Export the list: 4 inspections cited 1910.266(h)(1)(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)(1)(i).
At 3:15 p.m. on January 23, 2024, using radio communications, the foreman and Employee #1 worked out a method where the foreman would use the Sennebogen to lift a smaller log, previously cut, over Employee #1 and pull the standing tree trunk just enough to…
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)(1)(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)(2)(i) 9 citations
- 1910.266(h)(1)(iv) 5 citations
- 1910.266(h)(2)(vi) 5 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
What hazards does this rule mention for felling?
Striking a rope, cable, power line, or machine, among others.
Are those the only hazards covered?
No. The rule says such as but not limited to, so any hazard to an employee counts.
Who does this protect?
Employees on the logging operation.
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.