US Department of Labor finds safety failures by Marietta tree trimming contractor led to arborist’s electrocution

News Release

US Department of Labor finds safety failures by Marietta tree trimming contractor led to arborist's electrocution

ATLANTA - A U.S. Department of Labor investigation has found a Marietta tree trimming contractor could have prevented the fatal injuries of a 38-year-old worker whose equipment came into contact with an unprotected power line less than 10 feet away from an Acworth worksite.

Investigators with the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined that on May 20, 2024, an arborist employed by Serious Tree Services LLC was fatally electrocuted when their stabilizing line made contact with a residential power line while they were trimming the lower branches of a 60-foot-tall tree.

"Serious Tree Services failed to meet their obligation to protect workers by adhering to industry safety standards, resulting in a preventable tragedy," said OSHA Area Director Jeffery Stawowy in Atlanta-West. "Employers must prioritize training and hazard prevention to avoid such devastating outcomes. This incident highlights the severe consequences of neglecting workplace safety."

OSHA investigators determined the company exposed employees to electrical hazards by allowing an arborist to climb, trim and cut trees within 10 feet of an energized and ungrounded power line while using a conductive stabilizing line that had a steel core. In addition, the company allowed employees to do this work without using arc-rated personal protective equipment.

OSHA issued four serious violations and proposed $29,035 in penalties.

Serious Tree Services LLC is a commercial and residential tree service company providing services that include emergency tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding and firewood prep at residential properties in the Atlanta-metro area.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Learn more about OSHA.