For many, the image of a tree care worker conjures up a peaceful scene: a skilled professional communing with nature, expertly pruning branches and maintaining the beauty of our urban landscapes. But behind the serene facade lies a reality fraught with danger. Arboriculture, the practice of tree care, is one of the most hazardous professions in the United States with a fatality rate 30 times higher the national average for all professions.
In Texas, where sprawling cities meet vast swaths of open country fields the inherent risks associated with tree care are amplified. The Lone Star State boasts a diverse range of tree species, each presenting unique challenges and hazards. From the towering pines and river birch of East Texas to the sprawling oaks, cedar elm, and Texas mountain laurel of the Hill Country, Arborists must navigate a complex and ever-changing environment, ever vigilant against a multitude of safety threats.
The Landscape of Arboriculture Risks
The dangers faced by tree care workers are manifold and ever-present. Emergency tree service needs after storms present even greater levels of risk from fallen trees and power lines. Some of the most common hazards faced by tree service companies, Arborists, and their workers are listed below.
- Falls: From slips and trips on uneven terrain to tumbles from precarious heights, falls are a leading cause of injuries and fatalities in the tree care industry.
- Falling objects: Branches, limbs, and even entire trees can come crashing down unexpectedly, posing a serious threat to workers below.
- Electrical hazards: Power lines strung through trees present a constant risk of electrocution, demanding the utmost caution and awareness.
- Exposure to harmful elements: Tree care workers are often exposed to a range of harmful elements, including dust, pollen, pesticides, and even chainsaw fumes.
- Ergonomic hazards: Repetitive motions, awkward postures, and heavy lifting can lead to musculoskeletal disorders over time.
These are just a few of the many risks that Arborists face on a daily basis. It is no wonder that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has designated tree care as a “hazardous occupation.”
The Importance of Safety in Texas
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) highlights the importance of safety in its publication, “Tree Trimming Safety” (https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/videoresource/fstreetrim.pdf). The document outlines essential safety practices for tree care workers, employers, and homeowners alike.
According to the TDI, some of the key steps to ensuring arborist safety include:
- Proper training and education: Workers should be thoroughly trained in safe work practices, including fall protection, chainsaw safety, and electrical hazard awareness.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Arborists must wear appropriate PPE, such as hard hats, gloves, eye protection, and chaps, to shield themselves from potential hazards.
- Regular inspections and maintenance of equipment: Tools and equipment used in tree care, such as chainsaws, ladders, and ropes, must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure their safe operation.
- Implementation of a comprehensive safety program: Employers have a responsibility to create and implement a safety program that addresses all aspects of tree care, from hazard identification to emergency response procedures.
The Role of Insurance in Protecting Arborists and Businesses in Texas
Even with the most stringent safety measures in place, accidents can still occur. This is where proper insurance comes in.
- Workers’ compensation insurance: This type of insurance provides financial protection to workers who are injured on the job, covering medical expenses and lost wages.
- General liability insurance: This insurance protects businesses from lawsuits arising from property damage or injuries caused to third parties during tree care operations. Insured tree service companies also protect the homeowner or land owner from litigation because claims for damage are capped at $1,000.000. Case in point; Texas Governor Greg Abbott famously won a multi-million dollar settlement after a tree fell and broke his bag when he was jogging.
Having the right insurance in place can provide peace of mind for both arborists and their employers. It can also help to mitigate financial losses in the event of an accident and protect the tree service company, workers, and homeowners.
Prioritizing Safety & Protection Should be #1 Priority When Hiring a Tree Service Company
Tree care is an essential, vital profession that contributes significantly to the health and beauty of our communities and environment. However, it is also an inherently risky occupation. By prioritizing safety through proper training, education, experience, and use of the appropriate safety gear arborists can mitigate the risks and protect themselves from harm. Additionally, having the right general liability and workers’ compensation insurance in place can provide essential financial protection in the event of an unforeseen incident.
Looking for an insured tree service company that prioritizes safety and holds workers’ compensation coverage in addition to general liability insurance for your protection? Use the form below to email us requesting a free quote or call (281) 391-3450 in Houston, Katy, Fulshear, Cypress, or Waller, Texas today.