Certified Tree Worker Safety Specialist Training (CTWSS)

Course Description

The Certified Tree Worker Safety Specialist Training (CTWSS) course is a comprehensive professional certification program designed for arborists, tree care professionals, utility line clearance workers, landscapers, forestry personnel, municipal workers, safety professionals, and contractors responsible for tree trimming, pruning, climbing, removal, and maintenance operations. This course provides participants with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to identify hazards, prevent workplace injuries, and comply with OSHA regulations and ANSI safety standards for arboricultural operations.

Tree care is one of the most hazardous occupations due to the risks associated with working at heights, falling limbs, chainsaw operations, electrical hazards, aerial lifts, climbing systems, and heavy equipment. This certification prepares participants to safely perform tree maintenance activities while minimizing the risk of struck-by incidents, falls, electrocutions, equipment failures, and other workplace hazards.

Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of OSHA regulations, ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations, hazard recognition, job hazard analysis (JHA), tree risk assessment, chainsaw safety, climbing techniques, aerial lift safety, rigging systems, rope management, electrical hazard awareness, fall protection, emergency rescue procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe work practices for tree care operations.

The curriculum also covers safe pruning techniques, tree removal planning, ground crew coordination, equipment inspection, maintenance of climbing gear, traffic control, utility line clearance safety, incident prevention, emergency response planning, and regulatory compliance. Through practical scenarios and industry best practices, participants will learn how to conduct pre-job safety assessments, implement effective hazard controls, and establish safe operating procedures for tree care and arborist work.

Upon successful completion of the Certified Tree Worker Safety Specialist Training (CTWSS) course, participants will have the expertise to safely perform tree care operations, conduct workplace safety inspections, support OSHA compliance, and reduce injuries and fatalities associated with arboricultural work. This certification is ideal for professionals seeking career advancement in arboriculture, forestry, utility vegetation management, landscaping, and occupational safety.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Certified Tree Worker Safety Specialist Training (CTWSS) course, participants will be able to:

Identify hazards associated with tree trimming, pruning, climbing, tree removal, and ground support operations.
Understand OSHA regulations and ANSI Z133 safety requirements governing arboricultural operations.
Conduct job hazard analyses (JHAs) and tree risk assessments before beginning tree care activities.
Apply safe work practices for chainsaw operation, climbing systems, rigging equipment, aerial lifts, ropes, and tree removal procedures.
Recognize electrical hazards associated with overhead power lines and implement safe work practices for utility line clearance operations.
Select, inspect, maintain, and properly use personal protective equipment (PPE), climbing equipment, chainsaws, and cutting tools.
Develop emergency response plans, rescue procedures, and incident reporting processes for tree care operations.
Coordinate safe communication and teamwork between climbers, ground crews, supervisors, and equipment operators.
Perform routine equipment inspections and maintenance to ensure safe arboricultural operations.
Promote a proactive safety culture that reduces workplace injuries, fatalities, and property damage during tree care activities.

Target Audience

Tree Workers & Arborists

Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance Personnel

Municipal & Public Works Crews

Utility Line Clearance Workers

Safety Officers & Coordinators

Facility & Maintenance Staff

Line Supervisors & Team Leads

Program Administrators