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December 2007
Dec. 17, 2007 – Kappen Tree Service of Cass City, Michigan, received the CET Gold Award for an outstanding safety and health record from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA). The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).
The tree care industry is ranked among the most dangerous professions in the U.S., close behind logging and commercial fishing. Kappen Tree Service has gone more than 16 years without a lost time accident. Read the news article...
November 2007
The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) has been awarded a federal grant through OSHA’s Susan Harwood Training Grant Program to provide up to 12 free Electrical Hazards Awareness Program (EHAP) “open enrollment” workshops in 2008.
During the grant period, the Association anticipates training 2000 or more individuals in safe, accident-free electrical hazard work practices. The cost of the workshop and all enrollment materials will be free to all participants, with the exception of a small fee to cover the cost of food and beverage. Read more...
November 2007
The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) wants the owners, managers and safety directors of tree care companies around the U.S. to know that effective, low-cost training in temporary traffic control is available.
TCIA is assisting the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), a trade association dedicated to making America ’s roadways safer, with a series of grant-funded workshops. Read more...
May 2007
In a training session entitled, "General Industry -- Arborists," Peter Gerstenberger from TCIA recently led presentations informing OSHA personnel about our industry, the hazards that arborists face, and the standards and practices we use to reduce or eliminate the hazards.
A series of two training meetings drew approximately 150 OSHA compliance officers and managers from all the New England states.
The TCIA presentation focused on understanding both the fatal and non-fatal accidents that have occurred in arboriculture, paying particular attention to trends and comparing OSHA/Bureau of Labor Statistics data with data collected by independent research.
Gerstenberger had several take-home messages for the person potentially consulting with, or even citing, a tree care company. The main message that TCIA wanted OSHA to hear was that ANSI Z133.1 is by far the best source for standards and guidance on safe work practices in tree care.
We wanted to assure them that Z133 is, for the most part, completely harmonious with their regulations and other accepted standards. At the same time, we wanted the opportunity to explain why Z133 provides superior guidance on certain points where it deviates from other standards. Key among those points were:
- The safety justification for crane use in arboriculture
- Aerial lift fall protection
- Safe operation and maintenance of brush chippers
- Defining the terms used with, as well appropriate use of, arborist climbing systems
May 2007
In a new cooperative venture to advance safety in the green industry, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) and the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) have joined together to offer safety-related products to each other’s members at discounted member rates. Now, green industry professionals from either organization can take advantage of special member pricing on a larger, more comprehensive assortment of safety products.
As member-supported organizations, TCIA and PLANET are continually working to develop value-added programs for their memberships. This latest joint effort reflects two important objectives of both organizations: to continue to offer new and better benefits to their members, and to foster a culture of safety across the industries.
“Advancing safety is a key issue for both organizations,” says Tanya Tolpegin, PLANET CEO. “We represent different segments of a larger green industry that is in great need of quality safety information and training for its workers. Both organizations have committed to improving safety for all by offering programs dedicated to teaching and encouraging safe practices within industry companies.
“Many of TCIA’s tree care members also perform lawn and landscaping services, and many of PLANET’s members are moving towards the tree care field, so it is only natural that our two organizations would collaborate to advance the safety movement,” said Cynthia Mills , TCIA president and CEO. “Giving green industry professionals discounted access to even more safety products is another way we can raise the profile of this critical issue.
PLANET offers several safety-related resources that would benefit workers in the tree care industry, including:
- Safety Program for Green Industry Companies CD . This CD contains a comprehensive company safety policy on topics such as motor vehicle safety, prevention of back injuries, return-to-work/modified duty programs, reporting and investigating accidents, and complying with OSHA. More than 50 ready-to-use forms, sample policies, payroll stuffers, and other safety ideas are included.
- Safety Tools for Greater ProfitabilityCD. Step-by-step guidance, checklists, and forms to assist companies in implementing a proactive safety program are part of this safety tool kit. Topics include performing safety audits, setting baseline safety goals, involving employees in the use of Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) to reduce hazards, and minimizing liability claims. This CD enhances the resources available in the Safety Program for Green Industry Companies .
- Safe Driving Techniques DVD . Instructions on parking, backing up, and driving in wet conditions increase your drivers’ confidence, skill levels, and safety records. Hands-on tips and a retention test are included.
- Safe Truck and Trailer Operation DVD . This training resource is designed to provide instruction on how to extend green industry employees’ safe practices beyond driving the truck to the safe hook-up, loading, and operation of the truck and trailer. It covers pre-trip inspections, proper hook-up procedures, loading and securing equipment onto the trailer, loading materials and loose items, final inspections, driving, and safe backing procedures. It is available in English and Spanish versions and includes an employee test.
- Safety Overview: Everyone ’s Concern DVD . Available in both English and Spanish versions, the information on this DVD covers safety on the road, familiarity with equipment use, clothing and safety, site awareness, and self-awareness. Helpful tips on how to prevent common unsafe practices such as burns, lifting injuries, and fire are also included. Testing material is provided.
- Pesticide Handling for the Turf Care Industry DVD . By viewing this DVD, your crews will learn the ins and outs of pesticide use, including the basics of handling, mixing, and storing pesticides.
- Federal OSHA Compliance Manual . This definitive manual cracks the federal OSHA code and enables you to be current in compliance. Learn which regulations apply to your industry and how to conform effectively. The manual is available in book format or on CD.
February 2007
Secure Web site added to TCIA Online
The online experience for TCIA members and website visitors has been expanded with the addition of a secure Web site that will make it easier to buy products, register for events, manage online accounts, and enroll in TCIA programs such as Accreditation and CTSP. Nonmembers can create online profiles to capture shipping addresses and other information that will make it easier to order from our online store or to purchase classifieds.
The new secure Web site, http://secure.tcia.org, features a members-only menu where TCIA members can renew their membership online, manage their web profiles, and even update their own company records. Primary contacts are permitted to update anything stored on the company record, and other contacts can change their emails, user names and passwords.
In addition, members can now search an online member directory, see committees, find TCIA board members, and network with each other in a secure environment not accessible to the public.
Classified ads can be purchased online. The new classified ad system will tell the purchaser how much the ad will cost before it is displayed, so edits can be entered as needed to reduce costs. Payment with a credit card is fast and secure.
If you would like to take a test drive of the new system, please log on with your existing credentials. Your user ID and password have not changed, but you may change them in the members only section. Please report any problems or questions to webmaster@tcia.org.
December 2006
TCIA and OSHA renew their alliance for Treeworker Safety issues
Agreement focuses on electrical hazards, falls and struck-bys
The Tree Care Industry Association renewed its Alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to further safety and health for employees in the tree care industry. The Alliance, signed Nov. 10 at TCI EXPO in Baltimore, will focus on providing TCIA members and others in the industry with information, guidance and access to training resources with a particular focus on preventing exposure to tree removal, electrical, falls, and struck-by hazards.
“Employees in the tree care industry are often exposed to very dangerous hazards,” said OSHA Administrator Ed Foulke. “By working with industry leaders, we believe we can make positive strides in ensuring that employees in this important industry are armed with the tools they need to stay safe and healthy at work.” |
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| Left to right: Assistant Secretary Ed Foulke, OSHA, TCIA President Cynthia Mills, and Robert Lawson, Commissioner of Maryland Department of Labor, at TCI EXPO in Baltimore, Nov. 2006. |
Added Cynthia Mills, TCIA president & CEO, “The Tree Care Industry Association strives to keep safety at the forefront of all our efforts, and our Alliance with OSHA reinforces that mission. We are committed to lowering the accident and fatality rate and TCIA is proud to form this relationship with OSHA.”
Through the Alliance, OSHA and TCIA will work together to develop information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards and communicate that information throughout the industry. Information will be shared among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding TCIA’s best practices or effective approaches, and then publicized through OSHA- or TCIA-developed materials, training programs, workshops, seminars and lectures.
The Alliance also provides opportunities for OSHA and TCIA professionals to speak, exhibit or appear at various conferences or other events, including TCI EXPO, Certified Treecare Safety Professional Workshops, Student Career Days and the Winter Management Conference. Both organizations will also develop and disseminate case studies illustrating the business value of safety and health.
Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure the safety and health of America’s workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health.
The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) is a 68-year old public and professional resource on trees and arboriculture. It has more than 2,000 member companies who recognize stringent safety and performance standards and who are required to carry liability insurance. TCIA has the nation’s only Accreditation program that helps consumers find tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on: adherence to industry standards for quality and safety; maintenance of trained, professional staff; and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices. For more information, call 1-800-733-2622.
March 2006
TCIA gets serious about logo violators
What does the TCIA logo symbolize when it is displayed on your trucks, equipment, business cards, yellow page ads, brochures, Web sites and other materials?
It means that:
- You are part of TCIA’s commitment to transform the industry, which includes educating consumers, improving safety, being the voice for the industry for the government and other stakeholders, and building stronger markets between industry suppliers and commercial tree care companies – our Associate Members and Affinity Partners help you do that.
- You are part of an organization that is working to raise the bar for the industry, increase professionalism, and put pressure on the fly-by-nights to step up or find another career – TCIA Accreditation and the Better Business Bureau brochure help you do that.
- You and your company are making an investment to stay informed about the latest trends, regulations and industry happenings – through the Reporter newsletter and Tree Care Industry magazine.
- You are working to build a culture of safety within your company – with the Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) program, TreeWorker newsletter, Tailgate Safety, EHAP training, TCIA safety training products, etc.
- You believe there is value in networking and learning from your colleagues and peers – through the membership directory, mentors, TCI EXPO and Winter Management Conference.
- You believe that TCIA offers valuable business content to help your company grow and be successful – TCIA’s Online Business Management Guides and monthly Tree Care Manager e-newsletter.
We are making huge strides in the industry and hopefully you are taking advantage of every benefit that is offered through your association. Everything we do is designed to keep you and your employees safe, help your company move to the next level, and educate the public on the value of the services you provide to communities and the environment.
Cracking down on violators
Because we know the value of membership and what the TCIA logo symbolizes, we are committed to cracking down on companies that are illegally displaying the member logo.
TCIA has worked closely with our attorney to create a detailed process for handling non-member logo violators. The basic process will include the following actions:
1. TCIA receives notification from members and/or consumers that a company is illegally displaying the membership logo (membership can be verified on TCIA’s online consumer search)
2. TCIA receives physical proof that the company is illegally displaying the logo (yellow page ad, Web site link, letterhead, etc.)
3. TCIA notifies the company via telephone and in writing (certified mail) that they have 30 business days to remove the logo from all materials – or to join TCIA. They will be given detailed instructions on the actions we will take if they do not comply.
4. If the company complies with our request and provides proof that all logos have been removed or joins TCIA, the case is closed.
5. If the company does not comply with TCIA’s request and continues to illegally advertise membership with TCIA:
a. The company’s name will be displayed in a listing on the home page of www.treecareindustry.org as a logo violator who is falsely advertising their membership with TCIA.
b. TCIA will file an official written complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
A detailed outline of the logo violator reporting process and procedures can be found at www.treecareindustry.org/logoviolators.htm.
If you would like to report a logo violator, please fax or e-mail the information to membership@treecareindustry.org.
If you have any questions regarding the logo violator reporting process, please contact Joe Grant, CAE, vice president of Membership Experience at 1-800-733-2622.
We are confident that this will be one more step in the transformation and that together we are raising the bar for the industry. It’s time for companies to step up to the plate.
December 2005
Each year, Association Trends publication, a weekly DC based newspaper for association executives and suppliers, holds an All-Media Contest to recognize the best in business and marketing materials created by associations throughout the year. Both electronic and printed materials were eligible and each piece was judged using criteria such as layout, appearance, style, appropriateness and effectiveness. Other factors included print quality, screen resolution, organization, and format. By October 2005, over 400 pieces were submitted from associations throughout the US.
 TCIA entered several pieces including the new electronic Business Management Guide (CD-Rom) and direct-mail Membership Recruitment piece. We are proud to announce that your association won Gold (first place) for the Business Management Guide and Silver (second place) for the Membership Recruitment Piece. TCIA and the other All-Media Contest winners were recognized in the December 2, 2005 issue of Association Trends publication and will be formally recognized on February 10, 2006 in Washington DC – where Joe Grant, VP Membership Experience, will be present to accept recognition on behalf of the association.
Just as TCIA is committed to helping raise the bar for the tree care industry, we are also constantly striving to be the best in the association world. The recognition received from Association Trends is an indication that we are on our way.
December 2005
TCIA is proud to announce the launch of the industry’s first safety certification program – The Certified TreeCare Safety Professional (CTSP). Read more...
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