Arborist fails to train new employees in basic safety practices.
OSHA fines Countryside $141,811
Justus Booze, died on May 4, 2016. He was 23 years old. It was his first day on the job with an upstate New York tree trimming service. Justus was pulled into a wood-chipper while loading branches into the machine. OSHA found that Countrywide failed to train its employees in the safe operation of wood-chippers. OSHA cited the company for willful, serious safety violations.
Putting workers to work without proper training is unacceptable. Tree service companies must train workers – climbers, trimmers and ground crew. Workers must also be instructed in safe work practices and use of equipment including chain saws, cutters and especially hand-fed wood-chippers that cut and grind branches and logs into pulp.
