Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People
															Search
		×
			NIOSH
			NIOSH
				All CDC
				Submit
			For a full list of topics:A-Z Index
			Advanced Search
		Advanced Search


The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)


Facebook
        Twitter
        LinkedIn
        Syndicate





A Tree Trimmer is Electrocuted While Trimming a Palm Tree										Related Pages
										California Case Report: 18CA001
Release Date: September 5, 2018

SUMMARY
A tree trimmer was electrocuted while trimming palm trees in the backyard of a private residence. The trees were located in the northwest corner of the back yard and in close proximity to the utility power pole and high voltage lines. The victim was working alone when the incident occurred. Although unwitnessed, it is likely that a trimmed palm frond contacted the high voltage line and conducted electricity to and through the victim. The CA/FACE investigator determined that, in order to prevent similar future incidents, tree trimming companies and palm tree trimmers should:
Ensure that a proper job hazard assessment and briefings are performed prior to starting work by a qualified tree worker who can assess the hazards, including electrical hazards.
Ensure that a qualified line clearance tree worker is used when tree trimming is within 10 feet of energized high voltage power lines.In addition, homeowners and property management companies who need palm trees trimmed or removed should:
Hire only tree workers who are trained or certified by organizations such as the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) or the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).A Tree Trimmer is Electrocuted While Trimming a Palm Tree – Californiapdf icon [PDF 348 KB]
							
					
						Page last reviewed:  January 16, 2019, 11:15 AM					Content source: 	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health homeWorkplace Safety and Health Topics
Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation(FACE) Programplus icon
New Content
About the Program
Investigations
NIOSH FACE Reports
State FACE Reports
Resourcesplus icon
Agriculture
Commercial Fishing
Construction
Energy Production
Landscaping
Logging
Robotics
Waste Management
Confined Space
Electrocution
Falls
Machine Related
Motor Vehicle
Trenching
Other
Crossing Guards
Hispanic
Youth
Contact Us To receive the NIOSH eNews newsletter, enter your email address: Email Address			What's this?				Submit
 Contact FACE Nancy Romano, M.S., CSHM
FACE Project Officer
Fatality Investigations Team
Division of Safety Research
NIOSHnioshface@cdc.gov **Press Inquiries**nioshmedia@cdc.gov
 Related Topics Traumatic Occupational Injuries
Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program
Law Enforcement Officer Motor Vehicle Safety
 Follow NIOSH Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
YouTube
 NIOSH Homepage NIOSH A-Z
Workplace Safety & Health Topics
Publications and Products
Programs
Contact NIOSH


About CDC
					Contact Us
					800-232-4636
 Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Pinterest Snapchat
 CONTACT CDC
				Contact Us
							Call 800-232-4636
							Email Us
			ABOUT CDC
				About CDC
							Jobs
							Funding
			POLICIES
				Accessibility
							External Links
							Privacy
							Policies
							No Fear Act
							FOIA
							OIG
							Nondiscrimination
							Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			CONNECT WITH US
				Facebook
								Twitter
								Instagram
								LinkedIn
							Youtube
								Pinterest
								Snapchat
								Email
			LANGUAGES
				Español
							繁體中文
							Tiếng Việt
							한국어
							Tagalog
							Русский
							العربية
							Kreyòl Ayisyen
							Français
							Polski
							Português
							Italiano
							Deutsch
							日本語
							فارسی
							English


U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
			Accessibility
			External Links
			Privacy
			Policies
			No Fear Act
			FOIA
			Nondiscrimination
			OIG
			Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			USA.gov


Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy Close
 Links with this icon  indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
				Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
				You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
				CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Website Disclaimers
 Cancel Continue