Landscaping firm fined for having worker in tree near overhead power lines at Chilliwack worksite

CHILLIWACK – A landscaping firm has been fined after WorkSafeBC says one of its workers was observed in a tree adjacent to overhead power lines during a tree removal job in Chilliwack.

According to its website, WorkSafeBC says it was inspecting a Chilliwack worksite where AGH Landscaping Services Ltd. was tasked with a tree removal job. One worker, representing the company, was observed in a tree adjacent to overhead power lines.

WorkSafeBC says it determined that the worker was not a certified arborist, and the worksite had not been inspected for electrical hazards.

As a result, a stop-work order was issued. WorkSafeBC says the company failed to ensure tree pruning or falling did not occur within the minimum distance of overhead high-voltage conductors and “unless a certified arborist or qualified electrical worker was present.”