HUDSON, Fla. — James Morris says the high-voltage lines at the top are the most dangerous for his tree-trimming crew.
“I’ll be honest, we will not get with those. If we do, how we have to do it is, we call the electric company. See if we can shut off the power in the grid for a little bit," said Morris, owner of Morris Tree Service.
The power was not shut off Thursday in Hudson when investigators in Pasco County say a tree trimmer died from electrocution while cutting branches near these power lines.
I stopped by the home Friday morning as a junk removal crew took away the brush left behind after the scene was cleared.
The homeowner didn’t want to go on camera but told me the man knocked on his door and offered to trim the trees as he had been doing for others in the neighborhood using a bucket truck.
He said he did not ask if the tree trimmer was licensed or for references, and the man appeared to work for himself, not a company.
Morris said he understands some people are out there trying to make a living, but tree trimming is one of the most dangerous jobs in the nation.
“The level of skill we have to bring here. The knowledge and the wisdom. That has to come over time. The training and proper dialogue. And communication is key," said Morris.
Power companies are usually responsible for cutting down branches near the high-voltage lines, but homeowners are responsible for the rest. Morris said you don’t have to even touch high-voltage lines to get electrocuted. Just being close can be dangerous.
If you are planning on having trees trimmed, he said to coordinate with your power company and the company you use. He also said it’s up to homeowners to research who they are hiring and make sure they are licensed and qualified.
Morris said he’s thankful none of his workers have ever been seriously injured.
“I don’t want to be the owner that has to make that call," said Morris.
Authorities did not release the name of the victim, but Morris said he and others in the industry hope to find out so they can make a donation to his family.
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