•Wearing ill-fitting or inappropriate gear •Lacking proper trauma supplies on site Each of these compromises can lead directly to big bleeds — whether from a saw, a fall, or flying debris. Chainsaw kickback, for example, can cut deeply into an unprotected thigh in seconds. Without properly fitted chainsaw pants or boots, the blade meets noth- ing but flesh. PREVENTION STARTS WITH PROPER PPE Preventing major injuries depends first and foremost on PPE that is built for the job — and fits the worker correctly. Poorly fitting gear can be just as dan- gerous as no gear at all. Maidstone emphasized the importance of mobility and comfort in PPE. “The last thing you want to do is be restricted by your clothing because you don’t have that flexibility to get to that area in the tree,” she said. “It’s therefore going to put you at risk again because you’re limited.” This issue is particularly acute for women in the industry, who have his- torically had few options. “For years I have worn men’s trou- sers,” said Maidstone. “To have a pair of trousers that are designed for my body shape means that I now know I’m going to be safe because I’ve got PPE designed for my body shape.” Maidstone is far from the only woman arborist that has dealt with this issue. In fact, tree surgeon for Rockleigh , Emily Allison recently spoke to the dangers of ill-fitting gear and the lack of women-tailored clothing in the industry. Maidstone and Allison's perspectives highlight how something seemingly as small as loose sleeves can lead to big bleeds around heavy machinery.
The best way to avoid serious injuries is by wearing PPE that actually works for the task and fits right. If your gear doesn’t fit, it might as well be useless.
and heatstroke are also more likely in summer, especially when PPE is worn incorrectly. OSHA reported at least 479 heat-related worker deaths in the U.S. since 2011 — many of which could have been prevented with hydration, breaks, and breathable gear. According to the administration, arborists should drink at least one liter of water per hour when working in the heat.
HEAT CAN BE DEADLY — FOR MORE THAN ONE REASON Extreme heat adds a layer of urgen- cy and discomfort that affects deci- sion-making. Workers may remove gloves or hard hats, skip leg protection, or ignore critical safety checks just to cool down. But comfort should never come at the cost of blood. Hannah Maidstone from the business development team at Arbortec ex- plained the misconception she oen sees: “For a lot of people, there is a misconception that the heat is a good enough reason not to wear [PPE]. But if you think of it from a safety aspect, would you rather keep your leg and pro- tect your life, and just be a bit warmer?”
Common Mistakes That Lead to Big Bleeds
Many serious injuries begin with small decisions. In summer, those mistakes oen include: •Skipping PPE due to heat •Failing to inspect equipment before use •Rushing to complete tasks quickly
Environmental hazards like dehydration
28 | Summer 2025 ArborTIMES™
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