OSHA wants input?

I got the following email from the ISA this week:

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) addressing tree care operations, including hazards, fatalities and control measures. OSHA is requesting data, information and comments on effective measures to control hazards in tree care operations and prevent injuries and fatalities.

The International Society of Arboriculture, Secretariat for the American National Standards Institute's Accredited Standards Committee (Z133), announced that an OSHA representative met with the Z133 Committee on October 30th, 2008. The Z133 committee includes representatives from the tree care industry, labor, the academic community, government, equipment manufacturers, insurance carriers, and other interested groups and individuals.

OSHA requests comment on regulatory alternatives to reduce injuries and fatalities, as well as what requirements a standard addressing hazards in this industry should include and the potential costs and benefits of such a standard. Comments must be submitted by Wednesday, December 17, 2008.

ISA, TCIA, SMA, SCA, and ASCA strongly believe that any standard for tree care operations developed by OSHA should be based on the ANSI Z133 standard. Also, proper training is absolutely essential in the safe practice of tree care operations. In addition to strong, clear, and fair safety standards, widespread education in the use and content of those standards is key to reducing the rate of industry accidents and fatalities. ISA is making an official statement to OSHA on these issues and recommend support of the Z133 standards to OSHA

Visit OSHA's Release for additional details, and here for ways to comment. If you are unfamiliar with the ANSI Z133.1 Safety Standards for Arboriculture you can purchase a copy here. I'm not sure how I feel about OSHA taking a closer look at tree care, but Z133.1 is a good place to start. It is easy to understand and was developed by people in the tree care industry. Most importantly it doesn't feature a lot of confusing or unnecessary guidelines. If anyone has a take on this I'd be interested in hearing it.

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