Fatal injuries among landscaping and tree care workers: Insights from NIOSH and state-based FACE reports

Abstract

Context: A comprehensive assessment of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and State-based Fatal Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) investigative reports involving landscaping and tree worker fatalities have not been fully examined. Methods: Narrative text from 93 FACE reports from 1987 to 2023 involving landscaping and tree care workers were reviewed, manually coded and analyzed on major variables. Univariate analyses was conducted to summarize results of decedent workers and workplace characteristics. Results: Among the total number of worker fatalities (n = 95), the most commonly reported incidents were, electrocutions from power lines (18.3%), falls from trees (16.1%), and incidents involving a worker being either caught, pulled, or dragged into wood-chipping machine (12.9%). More than 66.0% of fatal incidents occurred among tree care workers that had been on the job for one year or less. Among reports, 60.2% of employers lacked a written safety plan, and 34.4% did not provide job training to their workers. Conclusions: FACE case reports alone are not a valid measure of workplace fatalities. Nevertheless, the codification and descriptive summary of more than three decades of case reports increases understanding of circumstances and contributing risk factors associated with these tragic, and yet largely preventable incidents. A comprehensive approach is urgently needed that includes: (a) taking immediate action to reduce occupational risks while cultivating a robust safety culture across the industry, and (b) increasing research to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and prevention measures. Practical Application: The interconnectedness of safety challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that includes addressing issues related to new and diverse workers, employer commitments to the implementation of safety plans, and comprehensive training and mentorship programs. Intervention strategies and implementation measures are essential to diminishing fatalities in these high-risk jobs.