OSHA Bulletin Safeguards Tree Care Workers | Construction News

OSHA has 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 two 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.

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 work site
• 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