Safety First: Why Choosing the Right Tree Service Company Is So Crucial

Overlooking the importance of insurance, certifications, and satisfaction guarantees can be costly 

Tree work, with its intricate processes and evident dangers, is not a task to be taken lightly. Contrary to popular belief, tree work isn’t as simple as cutting branches or pruning bushes. It requires expertise, safety measures, and the right equipment. When property owners and caretakers attempt this work themselves or hire a tree company without the appropriate knowledge, insurance, and satisfaction guarantees, the results can be disastrous.

Why Professionalism Matters in Tree Work

The job of a tree worker involves several risks. From fatal falls to dangerous equipment, tree workers face challenges on the job. For homeowners, understanding these risks can be the first step to ensuring both the safety of their property, the surrounding community, and the workers they hire.

1. Fatality Rates in Tree Work

Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on tree-work safety reveals alarming statistics: With about 1.3 million grounds maintenance workers in the U.S., which includes tree workers, the annual fatality rate is about 17 per 100,000 FTE. This translates to about 220 fatal incidents each year. To give some perspective, tree workers, who make up slightly less than 0.05% of the U.S. workforce, account for roughly 1.4% of work-related fatalities.

2. Non-Fatal Injuries

Apart from fatalities, the rate of non-fatal injuries in tree work is equally disheartening. The injury rate stands at 239 injuries per 10,000 workers, a stark contrast to the all-industry non-fatal rate of 89 per 10,000 workers. Simply put, tree workers face an injury rate that’s almost three times higher than average.

Moreover, the nature of these injuries is often severe. In the all-industry sector, there’s one fatal incident for every 350 non-fatal injuries. In the tree industry, there’s one fatal incident for every 14 non-fatal injuries.

3. Common Hazards

TCI Magazine, the official publication of the Tree Care Industry Association, recently outlined the BLS statistics on the common causes of fatal incidents among tree workers:

• Contact with Objects or Equipment (43%): These often involve being struck by a falling tree or swinging branch.
• Falls, Slips, Trips (about 33%): Climbers either fall from trees or with the trees. The reasons could range from failed anchors to temporary lapses in safety measures.
• Exposure to Harmful Substances or Environments (14%): Almost all of these incidents are related to contact with electric current, often when climbers come in contact with primary distribution lines.

The Importance of Insurance and Safety Measures

Given these statistics, homeowners must ensure that the tree workers they hire are not just professional, but also adequately insured. Imagine the financial and legal ramifications if an uninsured worker gets injured on your property during a tree removal or while performing tree maintenance. Further, damages to the property, like torn-up grass or a damaged driveway, can be expensive. Hiring a company that offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee ensures that they stand by their work, and any unforeseen damages are handled professionally.

Hiring the Right Tree Service Company

To protect yourself and your property, take the following steps:

• Check for Insurance and Certifications: Ensure the company you hire has a robust insurance policy in place. This shows they are serious about the safety of their workers and the people around them. Certain certifications, industry memberships, and training programs like the Electrical Safety Awareness Program also speak to the company’s adherence to safety protocols. 
• Choose a TCIA-accredited Company: The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) accreditation is a mark of professionalism and compliance with industry standards. Hiring a TCIA-accredited company gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re working with the best in the business.
• Check Reviews: If other customers are unanimous in their reviews, you’re likely to have a similar experience. With critics voicing their opinion on Facebook, Google, HomeAdvisor, Angie, the Better Business Bureau, and other review sites, you can easily get an idea of how well your prospective tree service company can be expected to perform. But bear in mind, good reviews don’t make up for lack of insurance should an accident occur on your property. 
• Look for Satisfaction Guarantees: A tree company that’s always willing to take full accountability automatically makes the customer experience central to its mission. However, just talking about accountability is not the same as actually living it. Far from all companies offer 100% satisfaction guarantee, which means they will make things right at no extra charge.

Conclusion

Tree work is not a DIY task. The risks involved are high, and the consequences can be dire. By hiring professional tree workers who are trained, insured, and backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, homeowners can ensure the safety of all parties involved and protect their property. Remember, when it comes to tree work, safety should always come first.

Need help? Iron Tree Service is here to assist you. Fully insured and accredited with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, we offer quality work that you can trust. Fill out the contact form on our website for a free estimate or call us directly at 978-468-6688.