Safety Articles from the Tree Care Industry Association

Investigating Loads and Forces Climbers Put on Trees

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:34:00 EST

Arboricultural work carries a high risk of injury. The British Health & Safety Executive (HSE), which is their version of OSHA, estimates that fatal and major incidence rates for arboriculture are at least double those of the construction industry. Studies carried out in the U.S. have rendered a similar picture. A number of European arborists are taking measures to reduce these dangers in several aspects of the daily work in the industry, including a particular focus on the stresses climbers and rigging put on trees.

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Training is Critical to Reduce Traumatic Injuries and Death

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:38:00 EST

Unfortunately, many tree workers never have a chance to experience a near miss incident - instead, they are killed on the job. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is taking a close look at traumatic injuries and fatalities within the Landscape Services industry.

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What does your local tree service and hit TV show "Ax Men" have in common?

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:10:00 EST

What do the current hit reality shows Deadliest Catch and Ax Men have in common with your local tree service?

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Precision Tree Felling

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:32:00 EST

Safety and Best Saw-Handling Practices

New for TCIA Members - Limited Benefit Program

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:11:00 EST

NEW programs are now being offered to members of TCIA. It is Open Enrollment time for the TCIA Limited Benefit Program! This is an exclusive offer for TCIA member companies. These plans are available to all active employees and their eligible dependants, but may not be available in all states.

Click here to learn more about the Limited Benefit Program and search for a plan in your state.

OSHA Directive Cancelled!

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:19:00 EST

On June 25, OSHA’s Compliance Directorate released a Directive that would have wiped out commercial arboriculture as we know it, forcing all companies to adopt unsafe practices designed for the logging industry.

TCIA went to work immediately in Washington and pledged in an Aug. 8 Regulatory Alert to members that the association would “not rest until this directive is rescinded.”

Effective August 21, the Directive has been rescinded!

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Operating Aerial Lifts Safely

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:26:00 EST

Strap in, stay focused, stay safe

Chipping Away at Chipper Safety

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:25:00 EST

The tree care industry can be a dangerous one, but is becoming less so as the days go on, thanks to two things that can work independently or in concert with one another: Safer equipment and better operator training.

Undocumented Liability

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:52:00 EST

If the driver of your truck is an illegal immigrant and he gets into an accident, you may watch the dominoes fall

Learning to Read Trees

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:52:00 EST

As part of the job briefing, we must identify all hazards associated with the work before we begin (ANSI Z133.1 -2006 3.1.4, Annex A). Specifically, we need to perform a "visual hazard assessment" prior to working in or on a tree (ANSI Z133.1 -2006 8.1.1).

Crane Use in Arboriculture

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:51:00 EST

Risk, Justification, Skills & Compliance

Aerial Rescue

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:51:00 EST

An ounce of prevention could be worth...someone's life

Creating a Safety Culture

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:50:00 EST

Two Tree Care Companies Setting a Good Example for Others

Fighting Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:49:00 EST

One Man's Plight to Save the Eastern Hemlock

Who is Responsible for Safety?

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:48:00 EST

In my business as a certified safety professional and management consultant, I work with electric utility companies across the nation. I enjoy my work until the phone rings and I hear someone in my office say "Oh no, not again." On the other end of the line someone has called to let us know about a fatality in the industry. Sometimes the call is about a tree trimmer who has been fatally injured.