Work Zone Safety Tips for Tree Service Crews
As a tree service professional, tree service safety is your number one priority, and we’ve got the scoop to keep you and your crew safe and sound out there. From climbing high to trim tree limbs, and to working the ground and handling heavy-duty gear, you’ve got to stay sharp every second.
Before You Hit the Site
Prep work is where it all starts. Think about the scene you’re rolling up to. It’s all about expecting the unexpected and being ready for anything.
Consider These Questions:
- What’s the worksite like? Are you near a busy road or a quiet neighborhood?
- What potential hazards could the crew’s equipment present? Is there anything that could cause trouble?
- Are there pedestrians nearby? Kids, pets, or even curious neighbors could wander into your work zone.
- What dangers could the drop zone present? Falling branches, equipment logistics, and other factors need to be anticipated.
Before setting up a work zone, it’s essential to consider the answers to those questions and possibly a few others. It’s always best to anticipate the worst, and be prepared, rather than have it catch you off guard.
Safety Pow-Wow with the Crew (Alt: Crew Safety Roundup)
More than 700 workers lose their lives in work zone accidents every year. That’s why getting your crew on the same page is crucial. “Prepare and prevent, don’t repair and repent.” Here’s how to do it:
- Team Huddle: Talk shop with your crew about site concerns and who’s watching for what. Discuss concerns with your crew once you analyze the site while posing some of the questions we asked above. Decide what your crew members need to be watching for when working the area.
- Action Plan: Walk through the steps of the job and assign roles. Everyone’s got to be in sync. Ensure that there are no unanswered questions and nothing left open for interpretation.
- Timeline: Figure out how long the job will take and how to keep the site safe after hours. If the job lasts several days, the site may have to be kept safe even while the crew isn’t present. This can include things like using caution tape to secure an area. You might also have to block a sidewalk until the work is finished or flag tree stumps to prevent lawn mower damage and to keep people from tripping.
- At the end of the day, it wouldn’t hurt to review some of the safety guidelines you’ve already discussed while also coming up with new safety strategies that might make sense now that you’ve been at the work site for a day.
Drop Zone: Heads Up!
Drop zone safety is paramount in tree service safety. Your tree climbers need to be extra cautious about what’s below. Sure, houses, people, and cars are obvious, but don’t forget:
- Client’s Landscaping: Protect those flower beds and garden gnomes.
- Kids and Pets: They can dart into the work zone in a flash. Educate your clients on the dangers of allowing children and pets around the drop zone and ensure that clients understand, and keep them out of the way.
- Underground Hazards: Irrigation systems, gas lines, and septic fields could be lurking below. When in doubt, call 811 before digging.
Gear Up: PPE Essentials
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is your lifesaver out there. Make sure you’ve got the right gear and it’s in top shape. Proper PPE is vital for all tree service professionals because it can potentially save a life. Not only do crews want to ensure they have all the PPE required for the job, but crew members also need to inspect their PPE daily.
Here are some things to look out for:
- Some PPE, like hard hats, have expiration dates—don’t mess around with gear past its prime.
- Check your fabric PPE, like chaps and gloves, for any rips or tears. Holes or loose fabric can snag on stuff and turn into a major hazard, especially around heavy-duty equipment like wood chippers.
- Make sure your ear and eye protection are in top shape, too.
- And remember, some jobs need extra PPE to meet OSHA and ANSI safety standards, especially when you’re working near roads or railways. Always roll up to the work zone with the right, up-to-date PPE to keep you and your crew safe.
Always Be Aware of Traffic and People Around Your Worksite.
- Set Up a Safe Drop Zone: Use cones and crew members to control traffic and pedestrians. Space cones according to speed limit—25 MPH means 25 feet apart.
- Position Traffic Flaggers Safely: Flaggers should stand on the shoulder, visible to oncoming traffic. Make sure they’re geared up with high-visibility PPE, ‘Stop’/’Slow’ signs, ‘Tree Work Ahead’ signs, and plenty of cones.
- Stay Connected & Alert: Equip all crew members with Walkie Talkies. Flaggers must stay focused—traffic guiding is serious business.
- The Role of Flaggers: Flaggers keep the road around the work zone accident-free. Don’t let your guard down—tree service work can lead to “struck by” accidents in a blink.
Equipment & Truck Safety is Also Important
Once the job’s rolling, keep an eye on all that gear. Here’s the lowdown:
- When you park those trucks and gear, always throw on the emergency brakes to stop them from rolling away. Make sure all your equipment stays put when it’s not in use.
- Teach your crew the ropes on chipper safety. They need to know the proper safety depth and how to handle those stumps. Hold mandatory safety classes so everyone’s up to speed. Plus, you might score a discount on your tree service insurance by proving safety is your top game.
- Shut off any equipment that’s not in action. Safety for the public should always be your number one concern. And never leave chippers or other machinery running unattended around the work zone. Keep it locked down and keep it safe!
Final Thoughts
Work zone safety in the tree service biz is a must. A few solid rules can make sure the job gets done right and everyone stays safe. Regular safety meetings and a good plan can keep your crew on point and ready for anything. Teamwork and preparation are your best friends.
Choosing the Right Insurance
In the tree service game, safety’s king, and that’s where TreePro by NIP Group comes in. For over 35 years, TreePro’s been the go-to insurance partner for tree pros, big and small. We’ve got all the bases covered: Commercial Auto, General Liability, Workers’ Comp, and even special coverages.
TreePro knows the drill and offers tailor-made solutions, whether you’re a solo act or running a big crew. Contact your broker for more info about TreePro.
With TreePro, you’re rolling with the best—rated “A+” (this indicates superior financial strength) by A.M. Best, offering solid coverage from General Liability to Cyber Liability, and everything in between.
In short, if you’re in the tree service industry, TreePro by NIP Group’s got your back. Get insured and get growing!
FAQs
What’s one piece of gear that no tree service crew should go without?
To be honest, there is no one piece of gear. You need hard hats, gloves, safety goggles and harnesses at the very least.
Is there a special type of insurance for arborists?
Yes, TreePro is a dedicated arborist insurance program for tree care companies of all sizes. With TreePro tree service companies get comprehensive, specialized coverage for the unique risks of the business.
How can I make my tree care team more careful? They often remove provisioned safety gear, citing discomfort
Wake your crew up to the fact that discomfort is better than risking a lost limb, or worse, a lost life. Real life horror stories of accidents might just do the trick. On ground, formalize safety instructions and get them to sign paperwork that mandates that they do not remove safety gear under any circumstances. Protect yourself and your business with TreePro insurance as an additional safety net
