OSHA recently updated its enforcement guidance for tree care and tree removal operations. Released to regional administrators, the guidance provides inspectors with general industry standards and citations depending on the hazard. Examples of topics covered include electrical safety, machine guarding, noise exposure, personal protective equipment, hand and portable power tools, first aid kits, and more. In addition, the guidance details instances of the General Duty Clause.
ANSI A300
To avoid injuries on the job, tree care companies should comply with ANSI A300 safety standards. These standards are written to protect workers against hazards like falls, electrocutions, and worksite injuries. Companies that adhere to ANSI workplace safety standards have fewer worksite incidents, lowering their liability. Here are the benefits of using an ANSI-certified tree care company:
First, arborists should inspect trees and report any defects to the supervisor. They should also spread chipped brush at the root zone, up to six inches deep, and remove all mulch from around the trunk. To protect workers from injury, it is important to follow the guidelines outlined in ANSI A300 safety standards for tree removal and pruning. The ANSI A300 standard was written to be applicable to all regions, but the specific growth habits of a particular tree species may affect how the standard is interpreted.
Fall hazards
The best way to eliminate fall hazards is to remove the tree in question. Trees should be removed if they lean 15 degrees or more from vertical. Unless a tree is dying, leaning trees are not as hazardous as those that have grown crooked. Leaning trees often developed as a result of root damage or wind. It is possible to determine when a lean started by observing the general growth form of the tree. If the soil is uplifted, a tree may be diseased.
Workers must monitor their health and identify hazards while on the job. A fall hazard assessment should be conducted before beginning tree removal and pruning work. A worker should wear appropriate fall protection and keep an eye out for heat-related illness and other symptoms. Workers should never climb trees without the supervision of a professional arborist. Tree removal and pruning is a hazardous occupation, so workers must take care to use fall protection during work.
Struck-by hazards
Workers can sustain serious injuries during tree removal and tree pruning operations. Falls from aerial lifts or branches may cause serious or even fatal injuries. Employees should know about and avoid hazards before starting work. Employers should check trees for health before starting tree care operations. They should also inspect the work site for hazards, including poison ivy or poison oak. Identifying hazards and addressing unsafe behavior may help prevent such tragedies.
The most important safety precautions for arborists include regular inspections of trees and hazard-prone locations. Trees should be evaluated from roots to crown for rot and other hazards. If a tree is in poor health, it should be pruned or removed before it becomes a safety risk. Tree removal and pruning should be done with caution near electrical lines and in an enclosed area. Moreover, employees should inform neighbors and coworkers of their work.
Planning ahead
If you want to protect your property from storm damage, it’s crucial to plan ahead for tree removal and pruning. A tree’s health and appearance depend on the type and size of pruning tools you use. When planning for your tree’s removal, consider how your new pruning tools will affect the rest of your yard. If the tree’s branches are dangling, consider pruning them off before they cause a hazard. Dangerous limbs can fall onto cars, vehicles, or houses on windy days. Using a professional is necessary if the tree’s branches threaten power lines. Alternatively, you can use pruning cuttings as mulch or compost.
If your tree is growing near power lines, be sure to contact the utility company before beginning your project. In some cases, it may be necessary to make drastic pruning cuts to free up a utility line. You should also ask your tree removal company to notify the utility company before starting any work. If they refuse, you may have to reschedule the project or face lawsuits. You should also make sure that you have the proper insurance for any damages that may occur.
Protecting employees
One of the most important parts of any tree care job is protecting employees from harm. Falls from trees, branches, hand tools, and equipment are common causes of work-related injuries. Proper fall protection is essential for preventing injury and death. Here are some ways to protect employees during tree work. Read on to learn more. This article will provide information about the best fall protection methods for tree removal and pruning workers. Listed below are a few tips for protecting workers.
In Final:
First, tree care professionals must maintain a safety zone, or buffer zone, around their workers. This area can extend several feet, depending on the height and type of tree being cut. Additionally, workers should understand how tree limbs fall when they are cut. Proper fall protection will ensure that workers don’t get injured, and will be able to get back to their jobs in a timely manner. Safety equipment and training are also essential for employees performing tree work.
