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Tree Care Industry
Overview
Tree care companies provide services such as pruning, removal, plant health care, cabling and bracing, transplanting, consulting, fertilization, and lightning protection.
Standards
Tree care hazards are addressed in specific OSHA standards for Recordkeeping and General Industry.
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Hazard Recognition
Provides references that aid in recognizing some of the hazards that may be encountered by tree care professionals.
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Safety and Health Programs
Provides information that can help employers develop and implement a safety and health program.
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Additional Resources
Provides links and references to additional resources related to the tree care industry.
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Workers' Rights
Workers have the right to:
- Working conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm.
- Receive information and training (in a language and vocabulary the worker understands) about workplace hazards, methods to prevent them, and the OSHA standards that apply to their workplace.
- Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses.
- File a complaint asking OSHA to inspect their workplace if they believe there is a serious hazard or that their employer is not following OSHA's rules. OSHA will keep all identities confidential.
- Exercise their rights under the law without retaliation, including reporting an injury or raising health and safety concerns with their employer or OSHA. If a worker has been retaliated against for using their rights, they must file a complaint with OSHA as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days.
For additional information, see OSHA's Workers page.
How to Contact OSHA
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627.
Highlights
- NEW Solutions for Tree Care Hazards. OSHA Publication 3940, (2018).
- Tree Care Work: Falls and Falling Object Hazards (EPUB | MOBI). Also available in Spanish (EPUB | MOBI).
- Electricity and Tree Care Work – A Deadly Combination. OSHA Pamphlet 3861, (2016). Also available in Spanish.
- Tree Care Work - Know the Hazards. OSHA Publication 3752, (December 2014).
- NIOSH Science Blog. Describes series of palm tree worker fatalities in the Western U.S. due to the aging palm trees and intensified by the drought, workers are crushed while trimming dead palm fronds. The blog lists measures to prevent further deaths.
