Training is Required When Trimming Trees

Tree trimmers face many dangerous conditions in the course of their work—not only falls but also electrocution, lacerations, and being struck by objects or equipment. Untrained employees are at an even higher risk of injury or death—especially new employees. There are specific training requirements all tree trimming employees must complete before they ever get in a tree. The training helps these workers know how to perform the work correctly and protect themselves from the hazards they face each day.

Training for tree work

Your employees’ pre-employment training needs to be documented and provided in a language or languages they understand. Topics to cover include:

Job-specific hazards associated with tree work, such as the falls, falling objects, and electrocution risks mentioned above
Safe work practices and special techniques for tree pruning, trimming, and felling
Daily inspection and safe use of all equipment, including personal protective equipment
Electrical hazard identification and prevention
Fall prevention equipment and practices
Communications methods used at your workplace
First aid and CPR emergency response when someone needs to be rescued from a tree, bucket lift, or while suspended in a fall arrest harness

REMINDER

A qualified tree worker (QTW) with the proper training and experience must be on site to ensure proper work practices are followed to prevent injuries.

Additional training topics

Tree trimmers also face risks that go beyond trimming branches and working from heights. Because they are working outdoors, they also can face heat illness, pesticides, poisonous plants, and insects. If working near roadways, vehicle traffic can present additional injury risks. Make sure you train them on how to address these risks as well.

Job briefing before each work assignment

Prior to the start of each work assignment, a QTW needs to conduct a job briefing with the work crew to discuss the tree trimming work ahead. Topics for this meeting include:

Hazards specific to the job site and work being done
Appropriate work procedures, personal protective equipment, and other items needed to conduct the job safely

The QTW will also need to conduct additional job briefings throughout the assignment if significant changes occur at the site that might impact safety.

Other required training

Refresher training is required when the employee has:

Violated safety procedures
Been involved in an accident or near miss
Been assigned a new job that includes the use of equipment, machinery, tools, or tasks new to the employee

Providing refresher training helps prevent complacency and gives your employees the opportunity to practice their skills and ask questions. It also helps ensure that they follow established procedures.

Tree trimming and pruning accidents can result in serious injuries or death. Many of these incidents occur because employees try to perform tasks without the proper training. Help them stay safe on the job and do the work they are qualified to do by making sure they have the proper training before work begins.