The Journey of Safety in Tree Care
By Tim Walsh
Jeffrey Hugg.
You may not recognize his name, but he has made a lasting impact on the tree care industry.
In 1965, Jeffrey, 18, was an aspiring arborist, looking to earn money for college. While pruning an elm tree, he was electrocuted by a 4.8kV power line that ran through the tree. Devastated by her son’s death, his mother, Ethel Hugg, was determined that her son would not die in vain. Her efforts resulted in the creation of the Accredited Standards Committee Z133 on April 4, 1968. The group worked to create the first arboricultural safety standard – ANSI Z133 – which was adopted on July 14, 1971, and approved by ANSI – the American National Standards Institute – on December 20, 1972.
What ANSI Z133 is and What it Isn’t
ANSI Z133 is short for the American National Standard for Arboricultural Operations — Safety Requirements. That’s a fancy way of saying it’s a set of safety guidelines for people who work in tree care. It’s not a law, but it is a voluntary set of rules that many in the industry follow to keep themselves and others safe. We will come back to the “voluntary” aspect of the standard a little later.
The standard is put together by a group called the Accredited Standards Committee, or ASC Z133, which is made up of people from all aspects of the tree care world. It is a consensus standard. Not everyone has to agree 100%, but they try to make sure that everyone’s opinions are heard and that the final standard makes sense for the whole industry.
The standards have been updated several times since 1972 to keep up with changes in the industry. The most recent update, ANSI Z133-2024, is the ninth version of this important standard, and is slated for publication by the end of 2024.
How Does the ANSI Z133 Standard Work?
The ANSI Z133 standard is a living document; it changes and improves over time to keep pace with the industry. It is written by arborists for arborists, so it really speaks to the needs of the people who are out there doing the work.
The ASC Z133 committee usually meets in person twice a year. Most of the work gets done by smaller groups called task groups. These groups focus on specific topics within the standard, such as:
- General Safety
- Electrical Hazards
- Vehicular Operations
- Aerial Lift Operations
- Cranes and Knuckle Booms
- Winches and Material Handling
- Chippers, Chipping and Stump Grinders
- Chain Saws and Portable Power Hand Tools
- Hand Tools and Ladders
- Climbing and Cordage
- Pruning, Cabling, Limbing and Bucking
- Plant Health Care
- Removals and Rigging
The ANSI Z133 is not just a static set of rules. It is always adapting to new technology, equipment and safety research. Recent updates include new rules about having two points of attachment when using a chainsaw while climbing (because of too many accidents where people accidentally cut their only point of attachment), and changes to where you can attach a hand saw scabbard (previous revisions stated that the hand saw scabbard had to be attached the climbing saddle, but newer versions of scabbards allowed the climber to secure it to their leg).
Why ANSI Z133 Matters
The ANSI Z133 standard has made a huge impact on how safe tree care work is today. It addresses all sorts of risks that tree care professionals face and gives practical tips on how to avoid accidents. In some ways, it’s like a training manual, although it’s not meant to be a “how-to” guide. It’s there to help keep workers safe.
Even though the ANSI Z133 is a voluntary standard, it can be used in an Occupational Safety and Health Administration citation. This shows just how serious this standard is. If a company doesn’t follow the standard and someone gets hurt, there could be big penalties.
Jeffrey’s Legacy in Action
The ANSI Z133 standard is more than just a set of safety rules — it’s a legacy that has saved countless lives. It all started with the tragic loss of Jeffrey Hugg, but thanks to the work of his mother, Ethel, and many others, it has grown into a powerful tool for keeping arborists safe.
For anyone working in tree care, understanding and following the ANSI Z133 standard isn’t about following the rules — it’s about making sure you go home safely at the end of the day. By addressing the risks in tree care and offering effective ways to stay safe, this standard plays a key role in protecting those who care for our trees.
Tim Walsh is the vice president for safety and training for the Townsend Company, LLC. He was a member of two task groups that worked on the ANSI Z133 2024 updates.