The Tree Care Industry Association received this unsolicited letter through the mail and wrote, "You may not entirely agree with its tone or its content, but you have to admit that it makes you think.
Dear Job Applicant,
Warning! Tree work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Everything you can think of on this job wants to injure you, hurt you and kill you. From your co-workers, customers, spectators or a pretty face. From the equipment and tools you will have to use. From the trees. From heat, cold, rain, sun and wind. From not enough sleep or rest you did not get. From electrical hazards. From hazardous chemicals that you would be exposed to. Workers are potentially exposed to back injuries, falls from trees, chain saw cuts, cuts from other tools, exposure to poisonous plants, insects stings, being struck by falling objects, eye injuries, vehicle accidents, slips, trips, falls, electrical contact, high decibel noise levels, moving parts on power equipment and persons who do not have a safety-first attitude. This is by no means the end of the list of tree care related accidents. All employees have a safety responsibility to themselves and to the fellow workers around them. Safety rules apply to all employees on all jobs. There are special safety precautions and regulations that apply to the tree care industry. Improper training of safe working methods, no communication of all work-related hazards and not knowing all of the safety requirements that apply to all tree work are the causes of injuries. If you don't comply with all safety precautions and regulations, how do you want your serious injury or death explained to your family, spouse and others? If you're thinking about cutting a few safety corners, please do not apply here.
Sincerely, Your future co-workers
