OSHA Tree Care Standard

OSHA Tree Care Standard

There is currently no industry-specific workplace safety and health standard for the tree care industry, one of the most hazardous in the country.

Instead, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulates our industry through a patchwork of standards that fail to address the hazards our industry faces and can also misidentify best practices for mitigating work-related injuries.

A tree care-specific standard would help businesses in the industry. The standard could help lower insurance costs, give clarity on industry best safety practices to OSHA, employers, and employees, and reduce the risk of illness and injury within our industry.

Despite overwhelming support from industry and Congress, issuance of a proposed rule to implement an OSHA standard for tree care has faced a nearly two-year delay under the current administration. TCIA urges OSHA to issue the proposed rule immediately to protect workers’ lives.

Immigration Reform

Immigration Reform

Current immigration policies hinder industries like ours from accessing a consistent and reliable legal workforce.

Many companies hire immigrant workers in the U.S. on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and rely on the H-2B visa program for temporary workers to meet seasonal demand. 

However, complexities in these programs, exacerbated by broader U.S. immigration issues, have made hiring even more challenging.

Lawful immigration reform is needed to address the tree care industry’s workforce needs of the 21st century, allowing for much-needed access to legal and qualified temporary workers.

Responsible Pesticide Use

Responsible Pesticide Use

There are critical uses for certain pesticides in managing and maintaining the health of trees and vegetation across various environments, including urban forests, suburban landscapes, rural areas, and utility corridors. 

However, the ability to effectively manage pests and invasive species — essential to the industry’s work — is increasingly threatened by the inconsistent regulation of pesticides at the local level. TCIA urges Congress to maintain state and federal preemption over pesticide regulation.

Workforce Shortages

Workforce Shortages

Tree care companies are currently facing significant workforce shortages. TCIA addresses the industry’s workforce challenges by supporting policies that expand apprenticeship programs, support enhanced access to training funds and technical education, and incentivize workforce development.

TCIA remains committed to collaborating with Congress and other stakeholders to implement effective solutions and ensure the growth and sustainability of the tree care workforce.

Wildfire Mitigation and Vegetation Management

Wildfire Mitigation and Vegetation Management

Wildfires have become an increasingly severe threat to communities in the wildland-urban interface, particularly affecting electric infrastructure. TCIA members play a critical role in wildfire mitigation and management, but the absence of a national standard for inspecting hazard trees complicates vegetation management, raising liability concerns and hindering effective wildfire mitigation.

TCIA advocates for federal standards to establish consistent guidelines for utility vegetation management. Establishing a national standard of care would improve wildfire prevention, standardize risk assessments across states, and make insurance more accessible and affordable for contractors.

Funding and Consensus Standards for Urban and Community Forestry

Funding and Consensus Standards for Urban and Community Forestry

Urban trees and forests are vital to creating and maintaining healthy, livable communities of all sizes. TCIA supports robust federal investments in urban and community forestry that recognizes the critical importance of these funds to the health and sustainability of our urban forests, but the planting and maintenance funded by these investments must be performed by certified arborists and industry-accredited companies to ensure safety and effectiveness.

TCIA urges the federal government to continue to provide robust funding to the Urban and Community Forest Program within the US Forest Service and require grantees adhere to consensus standards on effective tree maintenance and workplace safety.

Commercial Driver’s License Programs

Commercial Driver’s License Programs

TCIA recognizes the growing importance of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) drivers in the tree care industry and actively engages on regulatory issues that may affect our members. To support the industry’s workforce, TCIA emphasizes the need for increased efficiency and flexibility in CDL testing and aims to reduce employment barriers for commercial motor vehicle drivers.

Additionally, TCIA advocates for maintaining employers’ ability to conduct drug testing while encouraging the Federal Government to reform THC drug testing requirements for commercial drivers and develop an accurate test for impairment.

State Licensure for Arborists

State Licensure for Arborists

Several states have a licensing program for arborists and/or tree care businesses requiring they register with the state and prove they hold insurance before they can work.

State licensure can give protection to both businesses and consumers. It holds tree care businesses to a certain standard of practice and demonstrates the professionalism of the industry to consumers and homeowners.

TCIA supports well-crafted state legislation on this front and encourages policymakers to engage with our industry in developing these laws.

Get in Touch

Get in Touch

Connect with us via email at govaffairs@tcia.org. Please include a subject line and provide your name, organization, and share any pertinent issues impacting your business. We value your input and look forward to hearing from you.