Florida tree service contractor death results in $16,550 fine

The U.S. Department of Labor has fined a Port Saint Lucie, Florida, tree service contractor $16,550 after an employee died while operating a woodchipper at a worksite in January 2025.

Investigators with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Carlton’s Tree Service allegedly exposed workers to “crushed-by” hazards and issued the company a “serious” violation, according to a statement issued Tuesday.

In addition to penalties, the employer has been ordered to take actions to amend the hazard, according to a statement.