Region 1 News Release:   BOS 2002-034
March 4, 2002
Contact: Ted Fitzgerald
PHONE: (617) 565-2074

Free Seminar On Tree Trimming Hazards For Arborists and
Landscapers To Be Held in Beverly, Mass., April 17th

BOSTON - Helping New England arborists and landscapers identify and eliminate occupational hazards associated with tree trimming and felling is the subject of free training seminar to be held at Beverly High School in Beverly, Mass., Wed., April 17, 2002, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Designed to assist smaller employers in these fields - particularly those in Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire and Southern Maine -- the workshop is sponsored by the Methuen Area Office of the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the City of Beverly, the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety/On-site Consultation Program, the Massachusetts Arborist Association, Associated Landscape Contractors of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Electric/National Grid and Northern Tree Service.

Hazards associated with tree trimming and felling include electrocution from contact with energized power lines, falls from ladders or aerial lifts, lacerations from chain saws and other power tools and injuries stemming from lack of personal protective equipment.

Presentations will identify the hazards and the preventive measures that employers can take while doing this type of work. Participants will also receive information on the free safety consultation service offered by the Commonwealth's Division of Occupational Safety. The seminar will conclude with an outdoor presentation of safe work practices and the use of personal protective equipment.

There is no charge but participants must register by April 1 on a first-come, first-served basis. To do so, call Thomas Robitaille, Safety Officer for the Mass. Electric/National Grid at 978-725-1400.