A tree service business is rewarding but dangerous. From pruning trees to full removal, the potential risks associated with this job are huge and require solid safety measures and insurance coverage from day one.
Because tree service continually places very high on the list of hazardous industries, the implementation of safety protocols is not only advisable—it’s critical. It’s important for the safety measures to be kept up to protect a company’s workers, clients, and properties that the work is being done on. Here are the top five safety protocols each tree service business should be implementing today to minimize that risk and create a much safer work environment:
Full Training and Certification
Proper training and certification lie at the very core of any tree service business. Employees should be properly trained in all aspects of tree care, from pruning to safe usage of specialized equipment like chainsaws and aerial lifts. Proper certification by known organizations, like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), not only sharpens their skills but also guarantees that the employees are well-versed in safety standards. Continuous training updates are important in keeping up with the best practices of the profession and refreshing safety regulations to prevent accidents and job injuries.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPEs are an absolute must in tree service work. Hard hats, safety goggles, gloves, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility clothing are requisite attire for every worker. These clothes act to protect them from falling branches, sharp tools, hazardous materials, and many more dangers of this profession. Not using appropriate PPE can lead to a serious injury; most of these types of injuries could be prevented if workers wore the proper equipment. Mandatory use of PPE for every job can significantly reduce the number of work-related injuries and inculcate a culture of safety at all times in tree service companies.
Proper Use and Maintenance of Equipment
Work done by tree service workers includes lots of heavy equipment and implements: chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts, harnesses, among many others. Proper usage and regular maintenance for all types of equipment should be ensured to avoid possible mishaps. Faulty or poorly serviced equipment can change a simple job into danger for the workers and passersby. All companies should institute regular equipment checks and servicing in their protocol to prevent malfunction. Moreover, employees must also be trained and educated on the safe operation of each tool at their disposal. Workers ought to understand the nature of the safety features of every device and how to handle them safely.
Safe Communication and Site Reconnaissance
Every tree work shall begin with an accurate site survey followed by proper communication by the crew. No two jobs are alike; every site has its own predefined risks associated with the process, such as power lines, unstable trees, and high-traffic areas. These hazards should all be recognized in a thorough survey before actual work is initiated. This pre-job assessment allows the team to develop a safety plan regarding how to mitigate potential dangers as much as possible. Effective communication while performing the actual job, whether through hand signals, radios, or even designated spotters, keeps everyone on the job informed and safe.
Emergency Response Preparedness
Even with the best safety practices in place, accidents can—and do—still happen in the tree service industry, so emergency preparedness is paramount. Every team employee should have basic training in first aid and CPR so that they may at least be prepared for any type of accident. First-aid kits should be placed within every vehicle, and all employees are required to learn the emergency procedures that need to be followed in case of falling, equipment failure, or contact with high-tension wires. Regular emergency drills will guarantee that, when things do go wrong, your team is primed to respond quickly and effectively. Literally, a solid emergency response plan can make all the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster.
Conclusion
Safety is inbuilt in the success of a tree service business. While these five safety protocols—extensive training, use of PPE, maintenance of equipment, effective communication, and preparedness for emergencies—are incompletely exhaustive, they each give a long way to safeguarding workers and clients alike in a tree service business. When safety leads the way, a business doesn’t not only protect the employees but also instills confidence and credibility among clients. In an industry as dangerous as tree care is, taking steps toward prioritizing safety is the biggest step taken toward success.
