Tim Walsh, CTSP, The Townsend Company

Utility line workers and line clearance arborists often work side-by-side in the same environment, around the same electrical infrastructure, under the same OSHA standard, 29 CFR 1910.269. Yet the regulatory requirements, work methods, qualifications, personal protective equipment, and operational expectations can differ significantly between the two professions. Misunderstanding these distinctions can create compliance challenges, operational inefficiencies, and increased exposure to serious injury and fatality risks.

This session explores the relationship between OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 and the ANSI Z133 -2026 Arboricultural Operations Safety Standard, providing attendees with a practical understanding of where the requirements align, where they differ, and why those differences exist. Particular emphasis will be placed on the application of electrical hazard requirements, employee qualification systems, minimum approach distances, insulated tools and equipment, personal protective equipment, aerial operations, emergency preparedness, and work practices unique to line clearance tree trimming operations.

Attendees will also receive an overview of the most significant changes incorporated into ANSI Z133 – 2026, including the new four-level electrical arborist qualification framework, updated electrical safety provisions, revised terminology, and expanded requirements affecting field operations. Through practical examples and field-based discussion, participants will gain a clearer understanding of how utility arborists and utility line workers operate under the same regulatory framework while performing fundamentally different work.

Whether you are a utility arborist, vegetation management professional, utility safety leader, operations manager, contractor administrator, or line worker, this session will provide actionable guidance for improving compliance, strengthening qualification programs, and ensuring that work practices accurately reflect both regulatory requirements and operational realities.

Speaker Bio:

Walsh, Timothy, CTSP – The Townsend Company, LLC. 

Tim Walsh is the vice president of safety and training at The Townsend Company, LLC, where he leads efforts to advance a modern, learning-focused safety culture across a nationwide workforce. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and Safety at the University of Massachusetts, building on master’s degrees in Ergonomics (UMass Lowell) and Urban Forestry (University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point), where he also earned his bachelor’s degree. 

With over 35 years of experience as a climbing arborist, business owner, and industry leader, Tim holds multiple professional credentials, including Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP), Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP), ISA Certified Arborist, and Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist. 

Tim has been a voting member of the ASC Z133 committee and recently chaired two task groups for the upcoming 2026 revision. He has contributed to national safety initiatives through his past involvement with the NORA Safety Workgroup, helping drive research and innovation in high-risk industries. 

A committed industry volunteer, Tim serves on the Board of Directors for the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and is a Past President of the Utility Arborist Association (UAA), where he previously chaired both the Safety and Professional Development Committees. In recognition of his impact, he was honored with the UAA’s Will Nutter Silver Shield Award in 2022. 

He also contributes to industry knowledge as a member of the TCI Magazine Editorial Advisory Committee, where he helps shape thought leadership for the arboricultural profession.