A tree service contractor based in Port Saint Lucie has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor following a fatal workplace incident in Boynton Beach earlier this year. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated Carlton’s Tree Service Inc. after an employee died while using a woodchipper at a job site in January 2025.
As a result of the investigation, OSHA issued a serious violation to the company for exposing workers to crushed-by hazards. The employer is required to pay $16,550 in penalties and must take corrective actions to address the identified hazard.
Employers seeking more information on safe practices when operating chipper machines or assistance with OSHA compliance can contact the agency for guidance and access to free resources. Additional details about OSHA’s standards and safety requirements are available on their official website.