Share this with everyone

[Tom Dunlap]

Peter Gerstenberger from TCIA made a post on the CTSP FB page. Here is what he said, and the flier to hand out to everyone.

How can we prevent more tragedies? Recently, in what's becoming way too common of a scenario, a young landscaper in Massachusetts ascended in an un-insulated backyard lift with a gas-powered stick saw to prune some trees at the homeowner's request (that weren't on the work order). He made contact with a primary and he died in a very horrific way. What's really frustrating as a safety guy and as an educator is that the people who need safety information the most aren't getting it. I'll go out on a limb and make a claim: Every single person reading this post can easily think of 3-4 people in their local community who desparately need greater safety knowledge or awareness but aren't going to get it, or get it in time to prevent the next tragedy like this one. In the aftermath of this accident, we created a simple handout that will be distributed to landscaping companies in MA. Please feel free to copy it and give it to a few of those people you know. Thanks.

Lets get this info out to everyone, it might save a life.

 

[mdvaden]

What's different, significantly, about the TCIA handout?

Reason I ask ... is the the local power company here in Oregon, has to the endth-degree, educated the public about working in the vicinity of power lines and the dangers involved.

So I'm wondering if there is new news or information in this handout.

If it's somewhat the same nature of public awareness as routinely promoted in northern Oregon, it becomes questionable whether it may have an impact of what could be either stupidity or ignorance.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Just more of the same song...nothing much new to say about electricity going to ground via the human body.

 

[CutHighnLetFly]

cant educate people blinded by a couple extra bucks. sad truth is there will always be tragic and horrific deaths of people doing something outside their skill set or knowledge thinking its alright to put themselves at risk if they're getting paid.

but i thank all those who made educating young arborists on the potential hazards encountered in this industry, because education has kept me alive and safe, as well as those who work around me safer, because of safe work practices which have been taught to me.

 

[TreeCo]

Why is the TCIA concerned about people not in the tree biz being injured?

Seems it's a landscaping issue. Unless the TCIA just wants to have control over anyone that may come in contact with a power line. Seem it's over reaching.

 

[treehumper]

Because it was someone doing tree work.

The fact that the homeowner asked for the work to be done puts them at risk of liability. Can this be adapted or another be produced to be given to homeowners?

When it comes to safety there is a dramatic shortage of support from many employers to even consider its importance. They won't train their people because they would then have to outfit them with proper PPE and other safety gear.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Over reaching?

I doubt that Peter put together his response based on a business decision. In fact, I'm sure he didn't, I know him well enough to say that.

Someone doesn't go home to their family. Isn't that reason enough to be concerned?

 

[Mark Chisholm]

Yes, and Peter is the type of person to try to reach beyond what has been done before in hopes to make a real difference. That , along with a whole bunch of other great qualities, is what makes him so good at what he does.

 

[Colin]

+1 on PG. Great guy. We got busted by OSHA 5-8 years ago. When OSHA was just getting their feet wet. Got on the phone to Peter, and it just so happened he was going to Washington the next day to talk crane regs. Very helpful guy. Talked to the boss for over an hour. Don't see him as being in it for the paycheck.