Trade Release
March 31, 2009
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA's renewed Alliance with the Tree Care Industry Association continues focus on safety hazards from tree care and removal

WASHINGTON -- A safety fact sheet on Lyme disease is among the products developed by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) through the recently renewed OSHA Alliance. The fact sheet describes the causes, symptoms, treatment and methods for preventing Lyme disease for people who work or spend time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas.

A companion Quick Card on Lyme disease also was developed by TCIA through the Alliance and addresses how to prevent tick bites. Two additional TCIA Quick Cards provide information on potential hazards and safe work practices regarding the operation of chipper winches and hydraulic dump bodies.

"We are pleased to continue our relationship with TCIA in increasing awareness of the dangers that exist in the tree care industry," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Donald G. Shalhoub. "I am confident that in the coming years, our Alliance will achieve even greater success in helping to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities among this industry's workers."

Cynthia Mills, CAE, TCIA president and CEO said, "The Tree Care Industry Association remains committed to improving the safe working conditions of professional arborists every day. Continuing in an Alliance with OSHA is one critical component of our strategy to be successful in mitigating hazards for our industry's employees."

Through the Alliance Program, OSHA representatives participated in industry conferences and events and made presentations on the agency's Alliance Program to tree care safety and health professionals at the TCI EXPO 2007 Trade Show and Conference and several TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professional workshops in 2008.

Established in 1938 as the National Arborist Association, the TCIA is a trade association of more than 2,000 commercial tree care firms and affiliated companies. TCIA develops safety and education programs, standards of tree care practice, and management information for arboriculture firms around the world.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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