Cal/OSHA Launches Safety Awareness Campaign After Recent Fatal Tree-Trimming Accidents

LOS ANGELES, CA — In the wake of four recent tree-trimming fatalities, including one in Los Angeles County, Cal/OSHA Wednesday launched a statewide safety awareness campaign for tree service companies, landscapers and other similar businesses.

The four recent cases:

• on Jan. 6, a worker in Los Angeles County fell about 60 feet to his death when the branch to which he was tethered broke;
• on Dec. 1 in Mariposa County, a worker was struck by a branch and killed;
• on Dec. 4, a worker in San Bernardino County suffocated when dry palm fronds collapsed and trapped him; and
• on Jan. 9, a worker in Siskiyou County was struck by the tree he was cutting to clear power lines.

"Cal/OSHA's safety awareness campaign aims to protect the lives of tree service workers," said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. "Employers in this high-risk industry need to be aware of, and take steps to minimize, the hazards to their workers. We will cite employers that are not in compliance with safety requirements."

Cal/OSHA investigated nearly 70 accidents involving tree work, including trimming or removal services, in the two-year period between Oct. 1, 2014, and Sept. 30, 2016.

Nearly three out of four of the accidents resulted in a worker hospitalization, and 12 were fatal, according to the state agency.

As part of the Tree Work Safety Emphasis Program, Cal/OSHA inspectors throughout the state who observe unsafe tree trimming or tree removal operations will investigate possible violations. Inspectors will also respond to reports of unsafe operations.

The major causes of tree trimming injuries and fatalities include falls, electrical shock, being struck by a tree branch, chainsaw lacerations, palm tree skirt collapses and ladder accidents.

Cal/OSHA has resources available to help employees and employers, including a Tree Work Safety Guide, fact sheet and checklist. The agency also has a Consultation Services department that provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their health and safety programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints can contact the Call Center, staffed by English and Spanish speakers, by calling (844) 522-6734.

Also the California Workers' Information line at (866) 924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics. Complaints can also be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.

— City News Service, Patch file photo.