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GWINN — The 52nd worker death of the year recorded by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) was that of an Upper Peninsula man from Gwinn who owned a tree removal business.
A property owner had hired A Cut Above Tree and Lawn Care, L.L.C. for a job at a private residence in Forsyth Township. On Thursday, 50-year-old Jayson Dutiel, the owner of the company, was cutting down a tree when it fell onto a power line.
“Another worker used a skid steer to lift (Dutiel) so he could attempt to push the tree off the power line,” stated a release from MIOSHA following an initial report. “The victim was electrocuted and died at the scene.”
MIOSHA operates under the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. It urges employers and employees “to use extreme care and safety diligence in all work activities” and provides resources to help businesses maintain workplace safety.
A Cut Above Tree and Lawn Care, which offered a number of services including snowplowing, has excellent reviews online, with satisfied customers commenting on Dutiel’s skill, diligence, friendliness, communication and efficiency. The company was first registered with the State of Michigan in 2022, according to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
The tree care industry carries much higher risk for serious injuries than most other professions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Deaths related to tree-trimming can result from falling from heights, getting caught under limbs or equipment, chainsaw kickbacks and electrical contact.
MIOSHA’s Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division provides workplace safety and health training and consultations to employers and employees throughout Michigan free of charge. People may contact CET at 800-866-4674 or submit a request online at www.michigan.gov/cetrca.
“Every life is precious. Our mutual goal must be that every employee goes home at the end of every shift,” MIOSHA states.
While the agency strives for prevention, MIOSHA also requests that fatalities and catastrophes be reported by calling 800-858-0397.