Resident alleges city contractors operate wood chippers without required safety devices; council asks staff for oversight review

Jeff Buchanan, a Placentia resident of 34 years, told the council that city contractors performing tree trimming have been operating wood chippers without a safety device required by the city’s 2021 urban forestry management ordinance.

Buchanan said he has photographed multiple instances, named West Coast Arborist as the contractor he observed, and urged the council to ensure contractors follow contract requirements to protect workers and reduce city liability. He said the safety device ‘‘works flawlessly’’ and recounted a near‑miss case he said demonstrates the device’s effectiveness.

Councilmember Kerwin asked the city attorney whether the city has exposure and whether responsibility lies with the contractor’s workers’ compensation policy. City attorney Bettenhausen responded that the city would have some exposure and noted the council previously adopted an ordinance on the requirement; he recommended informing contractors if a city code requires the device. Councilmembers asked staff to examine oversight and enforcement of contractor safety provisions.

No formal disciplinary action or contract change was taken at the meeting; residents asked for accountability and clearer enforcement of contract requirements.