Buckhorn Tree Felling Injury 2011

On Friday February 4, 2011, Trinity River Conservation Crew (TRCC) #4 was assigned to a CALTRANS project along Highway 299 approximately 15 miles West of Redding, California. The project consisted of tree and brush removal including falling conifers and oaks. The sawyer made his initial warning, “clear the area”, and proceeded to make the undercut. The sawyer began his back cut after shouting his “back cut” warning. As the tree began to move, the puller yelled “tree” and the sawyer began to remove his saw. As the FC observed the target tree falling slowly away from the sawyer he looked back over his shoulder to make sure no one was entering the falling area. The sawyer was struck by a falling limb. The puller immediately alerted the FC that the sawyer was injured. Emergency medical treatment was initiated and both the ECC and camp were notified. The inmate was alert and oriented. He was transported to a local hospital by ground ambulance where he was treated and release for minor injuries.