Mechanical and Safety Engineering (MASE) Product Failure Injury Report
Product involved: Tree Stand
What happened: A man was injured when the tree stand he was using collapsed causing him to fall to the ground
Injuries: Back and arm injuries
Recommendations: The cantilevered design of most tree stands makes them susceptible to collapse if the tree-side of the stand becomes unsupported. Strap failure, loose straps, and incorrectly installed straps can all result in this type of failure of a tree stand. Using straps that can withstand environmental conditions will prevent tree stand failure due to strap failure. Another option to these types of accidents is to eliminate the hazard of the cantilevered design. Designs exist on the market that are fully self-supporting, eliminating the need for a tree, as well as eliminating the hazard of failure due to an unsupported/partially supported tree stand.
OSHA/Standard violations?: No
Visit www.mase.pro for more information on unsafe products, and http://mase.pro/2012FC46.htm for more information of tree stand failures.
