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Safety standards for logging and tree planting

Summary An extension specialist asked which OSHA standards applied to logging and tree planting. OSHA said the then-cited pulpwood provision excluded certain logging operations, while general industry rules on tools and protective equipment still applied to the operations described. OSHA archives the letter.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1976-03-29-0
Date issued
March 29, 1976
Status
Archived by the agency
OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1910 Logging Tree Work
Source
View the official document

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OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy. It may no longer reflect the agency's current position. Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.
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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

March 29, 1976
Mr. David W. Taber
Wood Utilization
Extension Specialist
Cooperative Extension - New York State
Cornell University State
University of New York
U.S. Department of Agriculture
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Taber:
This is in response to your letter requesting clarification of OSHA standards related to logging and tree planting operations.
The OSHA Standard 1910.266 page 23777 of the Federal Register dated June 27, 1974, Volume 39 #125 includes tree felling for pulpwood operations but excludes logging, veneer bolts and similar operations. Operations such as logging for sawmills and harvesting trees would fall and OSHA 1910 standards for general industry.
Standards that relate to hand tools, personal protective equipment and more would apply to these operations. However, the retail sale of the harvested Christmas trees would be subject to rules and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
We have mailed under separate cover several OSHA brochures including the above noted Federal Register for your ready reference.
Sincerely,
Alfred Barden
Regional Administrator, OSHA

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