1910.266(h)(2): Manual Tree Felling Practices
Loggers must plan and clear a retreat path before felling, move away on it after the backcut, and check each tree for hazards like snow and ice, wind, lean and dead limbs. Only the feller may be within two tree lengths when a spring pole or stressed tree is cut, and each tree needs a proper undercut and a backcut that leaves enough hinge wood.
Key takeaways
- 1910.266(h)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 33 times in the last 3 years, in 19 inspections, with $128,953 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: WV (10), NY (5), AR (4).
- Related part: 1910.266(h) Tree harvesting (63 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
Get the free 5-minute toolbox talk on 1910.266(h)(2) ↓
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.266(h)(2) ("Manual felling") is one requirement inside 1910.266 Logging operations, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 7 sub-paragraphs. 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
(2) Manual felling. 33 citations
(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. Open (h)(2)(i) 9 citations
(ii) Before each tree is felled, conditions such as, but not limited to, snow and ice accumulation, the wind, the lean of tree, dead limbs, and the location of other trees, shall be evaluated by the feller and precautions taken so a hazard is not created for an employee. Open (h)(2)(ii) 12 citations
(iii) Each tree shall be checked for accumulations of snow and ice. Accumulations of snow and ice that may create a hazard for an employee shall be removed before felling is commenced in the area or the area shall be avoided.
(iv) When a spring pole or other tree under stress is cut, no employee other than the feller shall be closer than two trees lengths when the stress is released.
(v) An undercut shall be made in each tree being felled unless the employer demonstrates that felling the particular tree without an undercut will not create a hazard for an employee. The undercut shall be of a size so the tree will not split and will fall in the intended direction. 5 citations
(vi) A backcut shall be made in each tree being felled. The backcut shall leave sufficient hinge wood to hold the tree to the stump during most of its fall so that the hinge is able to guide the tree's fall in the intended direction. Open (h)(2)(vi) 5 citations
(vii) The backcut shall be above the level of the horizontal facecut in order to provide an adequate platform to prevent kickback. Exception: The backcut may be at or below the horizontal facecut in tree pulling operations. Open (h)(2)(vii) 2 citations
This requirement does not apply to open face felling where two angled facecuts rather than a horizontal facecut are used.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.266.
Export the list: 19 inspections cited 1910.266(h)(2) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.266(h)(2).
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
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: WV (10), NY (5), AR (4), NC (3), HI (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 110799 - SAVATREE LLC | WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN | $25,000 |
| DEREK CROPP | HARRISVILLE, WV | $16,000 |
| DINKY'S LOGGING LLC | OCEANA, WV | $15,000 |
| 157707 - NORTH IREDELL GRINDING, INC. | KING, NC | $14,500 |
| J & T LOGGING INC | SLANESVILLE, WV | $11,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.266(h)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.266(h)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.266(h) Tree harvesting 63 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)(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
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
When must the retreat path be planned?
Before felling is started, and it must extend diagonally away from the expected felling line unless that path poses a greater hazard.
How close can others be when a spring pole is cut?
No employee other than the feller can be closer than two tree lengths when the stress is released.
Must every tree have an undercut?
Yes, unless the employer demonstrates that felling that tree without one will not create a hazard.
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.