Safety Meeting: Tree Trimming

Tree trimmers face a number of risks when trimming a tree. Some of the risks include falls, electrical hazards, and being struck by fallen branches. Due to these hazards, all tree work must be done under the direction of a qualified tree worker (QTW). In fact, no work may begin unless you have a QTW on site.

What your employees need to know about safely trimming trees

What is a qualified tree worker?

A QTW is an employee that has had training and on-the-job experience. A QTW has also demonstrated that they know what hazards are involved in tree maintenance, removal, and the proper equipment to use to get the job done safely.

Your QTW will perform a hazard assessment, including visually inspecting the tree itself. Parts of the tree that should be inspected for strength and stability before any climbing takes place include the root collar, the tree trunk, and the limbs. The QTW should also identify the type of tree being worked on and the associated challenges with that specific type of tree. Weather conditions should be included in the hazard assessment as well as the added dangers of high winds, fog, ice, rain, high heat, thunder, and lightning.

Once the tree inspection has been completed by the QTW, the QTW can determine the safest way to enter the tree and establish safe work procedures. This information is then discussed with your other employees at a job briefing, which the QTW should conduct before each job takes place.

TRAINING REQUIREMENT

One cause of injuries while tree trimming is untrained employees completing the work. Before any work begins, employees must have a specific level of training that’s more in depth than what you'll be covering in your safety meetings.

PPE for tree trimmers

The proper PPE that will need to be provided to your employees are:

Safety glasses to help shield their eyes from wood chips and other objects
Hearing protection such as ear muffs or ear plugs to help prevent hearing loss
Climbing line and work positioning lanyard
Hand protection to protect from cuts and lacerations
Cut resistant pants or chaps when using a chainsaw
Boots with a non-slip sole and protective toe to help prevent slip, fall, and crush injuries
Reflective vests when working near traffic

Before starting a job, employees must inspect their PPE including their climbing lines, ropes, and lanyards to ensure that it is in good working order with no visible signs of fraying or other damage.

What your employees need to do to work safely while trimming trees

Anytime an employee is working in a tree, they must wear a tree-worker’s saddle and have two means of being secured, such as a climbing line and work-positioning lanyard. While an employee is climbing the tree, the employee must be tied in or secured the entire time until they have returned to the ground. Some important reminders are:

Always check the condition of the limbs, branches, and tree trunks before cutting them.
Tie your safety equipment to strong branches that can support the weight and use those branches to climb.
Do not carry tools or equipment by hand when climbing the tree.
Ensure you are able to maintain three points of contact at all times and are only moving one hand or a foot at a time, with your hands and feet on separate branches.
Inspect your chainsaw prior to use to ensure it is not damaged and is in good working condition.

Working near overhead power lines and electrical equipment

If employees are to conduct any work near electrical equipment they need to receive specialized training.

Overhead power lines should always be considered as energized. Electrical shock can occur by making direct contact with the power line, or indirect contact with an energized electrical conductor, an energized tree limb, a tool, a piece of equipment, or another object. Electricity can jump from a power line to a nearby object, so your employee does not have to be directly touching the power line itself to be at risk.

Before starting the job, it is important to contact the local utility company for their assistance.

Struck-by injuries

Struck-by injuries involving tree work are caused by falling trees, falling branches, and hand tools. During a job site briefing, and prior to the start of pruning or removal operations establish a method of verbal or visual communication, between workers in the tree and the ground crew. Your QTW will also identify a drop zone, which is an area where items may be dropped or lowered, and other employees should maintain a safe distance.

What to cover at your safety meeting on tree trimming

Discuss the importance of having a QTW and how they help employees safely trim trees and review your equipment’s manufacturer manual. Other topics to cover include:

Inspecting PPE and how to use it properly
Inspecting chainsaws and other tools for damage
Removing damaged equipment from service
Identifying nearby electrical hazards
Identifying the drop zone is for cut branches
Identifying and adjusting to weather conditions

If the QTW observes unsafe behaviors as work is taking place, that person may call an impromptu safety meeting to address and correct those issues.

Trimming trees can be dangerous and can put your employees at risks of falls. Make sure you have a QTW on site, that your employees understand the role of the QTW, and that your employees understand and follow your safety procedures to avoid falls and other injuries on the job.