Five violations issued in deadly Florida tree trimming accident
A 39-year-old tree trimmer was killed when the mechanical arm supporting the bucket of an aerial lift suddenly collapsed, striking the cab of the truck and ejecting the worker onto the pavement. As a result of the fatality, OSHA cited Advanced Tree Service in Newberry for five safety violations. The employee was topping off a tree at a residence in Gainesville when the incident occurred on May 30, 2014.
"This tragedy could have been prevented if the employer followed proper safety procedures by performing the mandatory service and maintenance to the aerial lift, as required," said Brian Sturtecky, OSHA's area director in Jacksonville. "The only difference between a safe and unsafe act is the level of importance an employer places on doing what is right."