One of the more challenging jobs for workers can be trimming trees, especially given the heights involved, potential run-ins with power lines etc.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently issued a hazard bulletin about preventing worker fatalities from falls and falling objects in tree care work.
“Too many tree care workers are being hurt or killed by well-known industry dangers that can be prevented if employers take the necessary precautions,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. “Employers have a responsibility to ensure workers are protected on the job – this includes providing training and making sure workers have the right tools to stay safe.”
The hazard bulletin details a pair of fatal tree care incidents, one caused by a fall and the other by a falling object.
In the first, OSHA’s investigation found that his employer should have prevented him from being in the tree trimming area or “drop zone.” In the other, a worker fell 65 feet when the trunk of the tree he was working on snapped in half. OSHA determined that the employer could have prevented this incident by performing a preliminary examination of the tree before starting work.
Safety Precautions Before Work Begins
The bulletin also lists safety precautions for employers to use before they begin any tree care operations, which include:
* Assess the worksite for fall and falling object hazards
* Have a qualified arborist survey the worksite
* Determine if workers will need to climb or use aerial lifts
* Establish drop zones where there is a hazard of falling objects
* Take steps to protect workers from falling object hazards
* Establish visual and audible communications with overhead and ground workers
* Have emergency procedures in place
OSHA has initiated local and regional emphasis programs that focus on reducing workplace fatalities in the tree trimming industry. As part of emphasis programs in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia West Virginia, Ohio and Illinois, OSHA will target inspections and direct outreach and compliance resources to the tree trimming and clearing industry.
For more information on these emphasis programs, visit https://www.osha.gov/dep/leps/leps.html.
Author Kori Shafer-Stack, Editor, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in post-injury response procedures and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: kstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
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