Updated Safety Standards for Tree Care Operations Employees
Tree removal may look like it's fun, exciting and exhilarating (and it is) but the reality is every time we step onto a job site we are put at risk. All tree care operations, pruning or removal, exposes workers to real-life dangers, like falls from elevation, impact with objects like cars or branches, lacerations, and contact with hot power lines.
In order to keep those who are fighting the good fight safe, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has updated their safety guide, which was designed to keep workers safe from the many hazards of tree removal, when on the job.
If you’re in the business of solving tree-related problems, make sure that you are following the new outlines to keep everyone on the job site safe.
Did you know the leading cause of death and serious injury for tree care workers is falling objects? Trees, limbs, branches, equipment, hand tools — you name it. What goes up, must come down, and it can be a serious threat to our men and women out there.
How you can keep you and your peers safe: Check the health of the tree and assess the work site for fall and struck-by hazards. OSHA's compliance safety and health officers (CSHOs) will assess whether or not you have met the standards for fall hazards before approving any job.
Standards may include:
Determining if fall hazards are present and providing appropriate PPE for workers (eye, face, respiratory, head, foot, hand, etc.)
Anchorages capable of supporting at least 5,000 ends for each employee attached or installed and used as part of a complete personal fall protection system
Ladder requirements
Aerial device requirements
Electrical safety
Flammable Liquids: This standard contains specific requirements for the storage of flammable liquids in portable containers. CSHOs shall assess whether suitable fire control devices are available at locations where flammable liquids are stored.
Occupational Noise Exposure: This requires the use of feasible administrative or engineering controls to address noise hazards and use of PPE. The employer is required to administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation program whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an eight-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA.
Materials Handling and Storage: Ensure that truck-mounted cranes are operated and maintained in compliance with the Crawler Locomotive and Truck Cranes standard. It prohibits hoisting an individual on the crane load or hook, also known as "riding the hook." Of course, there are exceptions to this rule and that is when the employer asserts that compliance with the standard is either impossible/infeasible or presents a greater risk to the employee. You can find out those specifics here.
Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Other Hand-Held Equipment: CSHOs will assess the condition of powered tools and other hand-held equipment, and whether these tools and equipment are appropriately maintained.
Machinery and Machine Guarding: CSHOs will assess whether the employer is complying with the applicable and general industry standards on machinery.
First-Aid Providers and First-Aid Kits: CSHOs will assess whether the employer is complying with OSHA's medical services and first-aid standard for tree care and removal operations. Someone adequately trained to render first aid should be present on the job site in the absence of a clinic or hospital in near proximity.
Fire Extinguishers: CSHOs will investigate whether employers store portable fire extinguishers on their vehicles.
Protective Structures: CSHOs will assess whether machines used in tree care and removal are equipped with falling object protective structures and/or rollover protective structures.
Traffic Safety: Tree care employees can be struck by moving vehicles and equipment from outside and inside the work zone. CSHOs will assess whether employees are protected from traffic.
This is just an overview of the new and updated ways OSHA is working to keep tree care and removal employees safe while on the job site. For the official document detailing the standards, click here.