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Workers Killed During Tree Trimming/Removal, Kentucky Injury Prevention And Research Center

Kentucky Haz Alerts--Other

To prevent tree trimming and removal fatalities, workers should:

• Perform a hazard assessment of the work area before starting work
• Appropriate personal equipment should be worn at all times while trimming or removing trees
• Determine the tree’s felling direction. Address forward lean, back lean, and/or side lean issues
• All trees and limbs should be inspected for structural weakness before work commences
• Have an escape route planned

Residential Tree Trimmers Killed While Working, Kentucky Injury Prevention And Research Center

Kentucky Haz Alerts--Falls

To prevent tree trimmer injuries:

• Tree trimming or cutting should not be performed without appropriate safety training.
• Appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn at all times while removing trees.
• All trees and limbs should be inspected for structural weakness before work commences.
• Safe work procedures should be used for climbing, felling, topping, and pruning trees.
• A jobsite hazard assessment should be performed to identify hazards so that hazards can be controlled for.

Workers Killed In Falls From Ladders, Kentucky Injury Prevention And Research Center

Kentucky Haz Alerts--Falls

To prevent falls from ladders while working:

• Make sure that an extension or straight ladder are erected according to the “4 to 1” rule of thumb.
• Safe work practices should be established by the employer for ascending and descending extension or straight ladders with materials and/ or equipment.
• All non-self-supporting ladders should be secured at the top and stabilized at the bottom.
• While working from ladders, workers should wear appropriate footwear.

Tree Trimmer Dies After 50-Foot Fall While In Bucket Truck, Kentucky Injury Prevention And Research Center

Fatality Case Reports--Motor Vehicle

A 48-year-old male tree trimmer (the victim) died from a fall while trimming a tree from a bucket truck. The victim was the owner/operator of a tree trimming service. He operated the business for about 23 years, employing various part time helpers. On the day of the incident, two sons-in-law were operating chain saws at the scene when they heard a loud "pop." As they looked up, the witnesses saw the bucket carrying the victim slam against the truck. The sons-in-law removed the victim from the bucket. He was not breathing. The rescue squad was called and arrived at the …