Certified Tree Worker Safety Specialist Training (CTWSS)

Workers in various industries and occupations are involved in the care and maintenance of trees, such as tree trimming, pruning, and removal. During 1992–2007, a total of 1,285 workers died while performing tree care and maintenance; 44% were trimming or pruning a tree when fatally injured.

Common Causes of Fatalities
The most common causes of death were:

Being struck by or against an object (42% of deaths), most commonly a tree or branch.

Falls to a lower level (34%).

Electrocutions (14%).

Most of the decedents (57%) worked for small establishments with 10 or fewer employees.

Safety Recommendations
Employers, trade and worker associations, and policymakers should take additional steps to improve the safety of workers involved in tree care, such as providing formal training to workers and ensuring that personal protective equipment and safe work procedures are used.