Conn. Tree Care Workers Sign Alliance with OSHA to Enhance Safety and Health

Enhancing safety and health for Connecticut’s tree care workers is the goal of a newly-signed alliance among the U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Connecticut Department of Labor’s OSHA Onsite Consultation program (CONN-OSHA) and the Connecticut Tree Protective Association (CTPA).

Under the alliance, OSHA’s Bridgeport and Hartford offices, CONN-OSHA and CTPA will develop and deliver training and education programs for CTPA members on safety topics and hazards affecting workers in the tree care industry. These include electrical hazards, chain saw safety, avoiding motor vehicle accidents, proper jobsite planning and safe climbing techniques.

CTPA will share tree care industry best practices while OSHA and CONN-OSHA will share information from local, regional or national studies regarding applicable workplace safety and health hazards. CTPA members will also be encouraged to participate in OSHA’s cooperative programs, including the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), safety consultation and the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).

“Arborists and tree care worker are exposed to a variety of hazards, including falls, contact with power lines or being struck by motor vehicles,” said Robert Kowalski, OSHA’s Bridgeport area director. “This alliance will equip them with the tools and knowledge to identify and address hazards before they injure workers.”

“OSHA health and safety alliances are part of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao’s ongoing efforts to improve the health and safety of workers through cooperative partnerships,” said Thomas Guilmartin, OSHA’s Hartford area director. “This is one of 325 alliances, including 42 in New England, that OSHA has created with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.”

The Connecticut Tree Protective Association is a non-profit association of approximately 500 arborists and tree care professionals dedicated to promoting the protection and care of trees in Connecticut and encouraging the ongoing improvement of tree care practices among tree workers.