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Beware Of Electrocution Dangers During Tree Trimming

As most property owners are aware, tree trimming is one of the most dangerous tasks performed on a residential property. Each year, hundreds of people are severely injured or even killed during tree trimming projects. The causes of these injuries and deaths range from ladder falls, flying limbs and branches, or accidents involving chainsaws and other dangerous equipment. Another major cause of tree trimming accidents and deaths is electrocution from nearby power lines. In today’s blog post, we will look at three common situations that can lead to electrocution during tree trimming, in the hopes of preventing owner injuries or death.

Unsafe Practices and Tools

Amateur tree workers or property owners attempting tree-trimming will often employ unsafe practices to remove limbs, branches or entire trees. Not only do they often fail to use any kind of personal protective equipment, but they also can be careless by using unstable metal ladders or un-insulated aerial lifts that can come into contact with live electrical lines. In addition, old and poorly maintained pole tools and chainsaws are commonly used to cut down limbs, also increasing the likelihood of an electrocution.

Undetected Power Lines

One of the aspects that makes tree trimming so dangerous is that power lines can be very hard to detect, especially in heavy and overgrown trees with tall crowns. Property owners and untrained tree crews will often fail to thoroughly inspect the tree for electrical hazards such as power lines growing through the tree, or overhead power lines. Even if power lines are detected, untrained tree workers or property owners may still be electrocuted when cut tree limbs fall in the wrong direction and come into contact with the trimmer and power line.

Increased Risk After Stormy Weather

After storms, many property owners may have tree emergencies and are inclined to attempt their own tree trimming or debris removal to quickly clear their property or driveway. However, the risk for electrocution is much higher because of possible downed power lines, dangling tree limbs in contact with live lines, or decreased visibility by trimmers working in the evening. Also, property owners and amateur tree crews may be unaware of additional conductive objects in contact with live power lines due to heavy storms, such as metal fencing, gutters, and standing pools of water.

To ensure maximum safety for tree trimming needs, property owners should always entrust these projects to the professionals of Embark Services. Safety is always priority one at Embark Services! The vast majority of all residential tree care companies do not have qualified employees to work within the OSHA allowable distance from power lines. Embark Services’s arbor employees are qualified to work near energized conductors, and all Embark Services aerial equipment is also tested regularly to ensure employees safety and total compliance with OSHA regulations and ANSI tree trimming standards. Embark Services also offers a full range of tree care services, including tree planting, tree removal, weed control services, irrigation installation, and tree fertilization. Contact Embark Services today for more information, or go online to request a free consultation.

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