Death in the Trees: Linking Data to Prevention

BACKGROUND:  Working from heights or around trees continues to be among the most dangerous of jobs. Every year in the U.S. dozens of workers are killed and severely injured.  There are many excellent standards and guidelines for safe work practices, but these preventable deaths and injuries continue to occur at high rates. Small businesses, unlicensed contractors and casual workers are especially difficult to reach for training and education.  In 2013, the NIOSH and State-based Fatality and Control Evaluation (FACE) program convened a working group to address this issue and explore methods to prevent injuries among tree trimmers.

METHODS:  Data on tree trimming injuries and deaths from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) program and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) will be presented. Current standards and guidelines for safe work practices will be discussed, with examples of best successes and obstacles in reaching high risk businesses and workers.

RESULTS:  The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) has developed guidelines and training programs that can be used to improve safe work practices among tree trimmers. California and New Jersey Departments of Health will present examples of approaches that can have an impact in reducing injuries and deaths among tree trimmers.

CONCLUSIONS:  The FACE program can successfully use data and case-based investigations to identify high-risk occupations, collaborate across States and with a leading trade association, and develop educational and outreach products that can have an impact in reducing injuries and deaths.