ACWORTH, Ga. — A new investigative report has revealed that the May death of arborist Marvin Cifuentes, 38, could have been prevented if his employer had adhered to safety standards.
Cifuentes, an employee of Serious Tree Services LLC, died instantly on May 20 after coming into contact with a live powerline while trimming trees on a residential property on Academy Street. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the company violated critical safety protocols, failing to ensure Cifuentes was adequately protected.
Investigators with the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined he was fatally electrocuted when their stabilizing line made contact with a residential power line while they were trimming the lower branches of a 60-foot-tall tree.
"Serious Tree Services failed to meet their obligation to protect workers by adhering to industry safety standards, resulting in a preventable tragedy," said OSHA Area Director Jeffery Stawowy in Atlanta-West. "Employers must prioritize training and hazard prevention to avoid such devastating outcomes. This incident highlights the severe consequences of neglecting workplace safety."
OSHA investigators determined the company exposed employees to electrical hazards by allowing an arborist to climb, trim and cut trees within 10 feet of an energized and ungrounded power line while using a conductive stabilizing line that had a steel core. In addition, the company allowed employees to do this work without using arc-rated personal protective equipment. OSHA cited Serious Tree Services LLC with four serious violations and imposed $29,035 in penalties.
“This didn’t have to happen,” said Robert Carter, a neighbor who recalled the harrowing incident. “The power blinked, and I could hear screaming. It’s just heartbreaking.”
Carter, along with several others in the neighborhood, had alerted the city about the risks posed by the proximity of the tree work to power lines hours prior to the electrocution.
Exclusive surveillance footage obtained by 11Alive shows the exact moment Cifuentes lost his life while working to support his family. Months later, a memorial cross is placed on the tree where the accident happened.
Neighbors expressed frustration with the company’s negligence. “I’d like to see what else they’re going to do beyond a $30,000 fine,” Carter said.
He's calling for stricter measures within the company to prevent similar tragedies, but Carter isn't the only one. Cifuentes' death has left a deep mark on the neighborhood, with many advocating for more accountability from employers.
“He got up that day, just like any other, to provide for his family. It's just sad when someone dies," Carter said.
Serious Tree Services has 15 business days to contest OSHA’s findings. 11Alive reached out to the company for comment but has not yet received a response.