Text from
the OSHA Logging Compliance Directive, CPL 2-1.22J.
Definitions and clarifications
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5. Paragraph (d)(6) - Workareas
a. Paragraph (d)(6)(iii) - Working within visual or audible
contact. This provision of the final rule applies to each employee working at a
logging worksite, including watchmen and other employees performing logging operations at
remote logging worksites. The final rule has been revised to indicate that the requirement
does not apply to vehicle operators who are not at the logging site, but only to vehicle
operators while they are at a logging worksite.
b. Paragraph (d)(6)(iv) - End of workshift accounting of employees.
The final rule requires that the employer account for each employee at the end of each
workshift. The employer need not personally conduct the actual end of shift accounting of
each employee, but may delegate this task. The employer remains ultimately responsible
under the standard for assuring that employees are not inadvertently left in the woods.
c. The standard does not require employers to prohibit employees from remaining at the
work site after the end of the work shift to engage in personal activities, such as
hunting, camping, or cutting fire wood for personal use. Rather, OSHA's intent is to
assure that no employee, particularly an injured employee, be inadvertently left in the
woods without assistance.
After the workshift has ended and the employer has ascertained that the employee is
done with work, including overtime work, and is safely accounted for, the standard does
not prohibit the employer from allowing employees to remain in the area for personal
reasons.
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