Following the study, L&I moved the tree-care and pruning industry into its own risk pool, effective Jan. 1 of this year. It also made a push to work with the industry to increase safety and reduce injuries to protect workers and perhaps contribute to a reduction in insurance costs.
There is no requirement for industry-specific licensing or safety training in order to work in the tree-care industry, Collins said, and her agency has no information on how many of the injured workers were following required safety procedures. She said the state has found that many people have entered the profession as part of a family business and have not received much training on safety practices. L&I wants to make those in tree-care businesses aware that it offers free resources and safety consultations, and that businesses can receive those services without fear of being cited for safety violations or lack of compliance with state rules.
Conference registration is available online at www.Lni.wa.gov/Workshops. Get more information by calling 360-902-4599.