Tree care work can be dangerous. Many workers get hurt or killed from:
- Falls,
- Electrocutions, or
- Being struck by trees.
Employers must provide free protective equipment (hard hat, climbing spurs, and
harness) and employees to:
- Identify fall and electrical hazards
- Know proper climbing techniques.
- Use protective equipment - climbing lines can save your life during a fall!
- Stand clear of the drop zone.
Supervisors must:
- Check the worksite for workplace hazards.
- Make sure the climbing gear provided is right for the tree size.
- Assume that all power lines are energized and can electrocute a person at any time.
- Know if workers will need to climb or use lifts. Provide equipment that is in good working condition.
- Ensure that ground and elevated workers can see and hear each other.
- Provide protections to prevent injuries.
Supervisors also need to:
H
- ave a trained professional check falling tree hazards before starting work.
- Keep work at least 10 feet away from electric power lines - or call the power company to de-energize and ground the line.
- Secure a drop zone with cones that is at least two times the height of the tree.
- Determine if rigging is necessary.
More information
AplusA-online.de - Source: U.S. Department of Labor