TCIA offers grants, free safety training

The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) supports the industry through various initiatives such as training grants, free workshops and a partnership with the TCIA Foundation.

Grants for Safety Training Events

The funding includes grants for safety training through the Arborist Training Institute (ASTI). The ASTI grant program was established in 2013 by the Tree Care Industry Association Foundation (TCIAF) to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities in the tree care industry. The grants are used to fund safety training events for commercial arborists and cover various aspects of tree work, such as advanced rigging dynamics, slings, lines, hitches, work positioning and fall protection. These grants are made possible through donations from commercial tree care companies, suppliers and distributors across the country.

Individuals and organizations interested in hosting a safety event this year and applying for a grant can do so by visiting www.tcia.org/asti. The application deadlines are on March 1 and Aug. 15, 2023, for in-person or live virtual workshops, and applications for digital courses are accepted on a rolling basis.

Free Safety Training

TCIA also hosts free virtual workshops to provide employees with additional training and education on important safety topics. These workshops include Electrical Hazards Awareness Program (EHAP), Ground Operations, and Aerial Lift Safety. They are financed by a federal grant from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) through the Susan Harwood Grant Training Program. These workshops are designed to help keep workers safe, promote OSHA compliance, and document training and are valued at up to $150.

For more information on upcoming events and to register, visit www.tcia.org/Susan-Harwood-Grant or call 1-800-733-2622.