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Georgia House Panel Pushes for Tree Care Licensing to Improve Safety Standards

State House Committee Seeks to Regulate Dangerous Industry Amid Growing Concerns

Tree care is essential, but it can be a deadly profession, and for years, Georgia’s tree care industry has operated with little to no oversight. However, recent discussions within the state’s House committee have sparked a move toward regulating this high-risk field.

The need for reform is urgent. As Rusty Lee, a certified arborist, explained in a fall hearing, the dangers involved in tree work are not to be taken lightly. From fatal accidents involving chainsaws and chippers to trees falling on workers, the potential for injury or death is high. Yet, shockingly, tree care providers in Georgia are not required to hold specific licenses, nor are there any regulations regarding safety training or insurance. This lack of oversight has prompted lawmakers to consider measures to protect workers and improve safety within the industry.

Growing Concerns Over Safety in Georgia’s Tree Care Industry

Tree trimming and pruning may seem like an everyday task for homeowners, but for those in the industry, it is far from routine. The risks are real, and they are often fatal. A 2020 report from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) highlighted the startling fatality rates for tree trimmers and pruners, estimating that one in every 1,000 workers in this field may die on the job. This rate is nearly 30 times higher than the national average for all workers.

tree care safety Georgia work

Georgia is particularly vulnerable to these risks. In fact, as of 2017, the state had the third-highest number of reported incidents in the tree care industry, trailing only California and Florida. The high fatality rate is concerning, and many believe it is time for a change.

“Everything we do can kill you,” said Lee, who pointed out that the lack of regulation in the industry leaves workers exposed to unnecessary hazards. While anyone with a truck, chainsaw, and some beer might technically be a tree care provider, Lee emphasized the urgent need for safety protocols, training, and insurance requirements.

Legislative Action: A Step Toward Change

The push for regulation comes as no surprise to industry insiders. Tierson Boutte, the founder of Boutte Tree Service and a leading advocate for improved safety standards, explained the rapid growth of the tree care industry over the past few decades. “There’s more and more demand, and that’s a growing industry,” he said. But with that growth comes greater risk.

Boutte is a vocal supporter of the efforts by the committee, particularly the proposal to introduce legislation requiring all tree care contractors to be licensed. According to the draft recommendations approved by the committee, a license would require workers to carry insurance and complete basic safety training. However, the proposal does not suggest the implementation of a credentialing process or testing for workers.

“We need just a little regulation in the right place,” Boutte stated. “It could save a lot of lives without creating unnecessary barriers to entry.”

The draft legislation is based on recommendations from Georgians for a Safer Tree Industry (GFASTI), a group dedicated to improving safety standards in the field. The committee has now authorized lawmakers to take this proposal into their upcoming sessions in January, where they will have the opportunity to introduce specific bills.

Industry Insiders Voice Concerns Over Regulation

While many support the idea of regulation, not everyone in the industry is on board with the proposed changes. Rep. Jordan Ridley, a Woodstock Republican and someone with firsthand experience in the tree care business, expressed caution about the potential consequences of overregulation. He warned that too many rules could inadvertently harm small businesses and make it harder for people to enter the industry.

“We need to make sure that regulations don’t create a slippery slope,” Ridley cautioned, referencing the committee’s inability to hear from industry members outside of GFASTI. He emphasized the importance of striking a balance that improves safety without stifling the growth of the industry.

Nevertheless, the committee’s support for a licensing program represents a significant step forward in addressing the safety concerns within Georgia’s tree care industry. By introducing a system of oversight, lawmakers hope to ensure that only trained and insured professionals are hired for such a dangerous job.

In a statement following the committee’s decision, Victor Anderson, the committee chair, expressed optimism about the direction the state is heading. “There is a place for state involvement in regulating and overseeing this industry,” he said. “We feel that with the proper measures, we can help protect workers and ensure better safety standards.”

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