said, workers quickly become com- placent as well, throwing on earmuffs or putting in earplugs just when they think someone is watching. “Many workers skip hearing protection because they need to stay alert to their surroundings,” Cushing explained. “A great solution is using electronic ear- muffs that block dangerous noise while letting in environmental sounds like team communication, equipment warn- ings, and alarms. These devices protect hearing without compromising safety.” Over the past 30 years, design inno- vations of earplugs and earmuffs have evolved significantly with notable im- provements in comfort, fit, and function. “Today’s options are more compact and compatible than ever before,” said St. John. That is one area to which Kundrat has greatly contributed. Thanks to prod- ucts like Speak Easy Communication Solutions, crews can communicate with ease while also protecting their hearing. The Bluetooth-enabled headset re- moves low rumbles, engine noise and other interferences so workers can safely communicate without yelling, even in the company of a loud chipper or roaring chainsaw. Communication on the work site, he said, is crucial. “I think it’s more important than the chainsaw in tree care,” Kundrat said. PROACTIVE STEPS TO PREVENT NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS As a tree care worker, there are sev- eral measures one can take to prevent NIHL, including: •Get hearing screenings at least once a year •Take regular breaks from the noisy activity •Always wear hearing protection (PPE) while working in noisy envi- ronments
Bluetooth-enabled headsets eliminates damge-causing interferences, allowing workers to communicate safely in a loud work environment.
safety glasses, how much do they care or know about my trees or the safety of my property?’” Feyh added that within his company, hearing protection and all Personal Protective Equipment is not optional. INNOVATIVE HEARING PROTECTION FOR TREE CARE WORKERS Another step employers can take is encouraging tree workers to wear prop- er hearing protection and ensure it is being worn correctly. If leadership doesn’t prioritize hearing safety, Pitts
falls along generational lines.
Unfortunately, according to Pitts, some companies only comply with the mini- mum standards to avoid penalties, leav- ing workers inadequately protected. “I think a lot of companies check the box because they’re afraid of getting fined, so they go through the motions,” she said. “I have gone into industries, and I’ll see people who are not wearing hearing protection. That’s the responsi- bility of the company to ensure people who are exposed to these noise levels are wearing something. If they’re not wearing hearing protection, somebody is dropping the ball.” Meanwhile, for other companies, safe- ty is a matter of pride and profession- alism. Jeremy Feyh, an ISA-certified arborist and scheduling and logistics manager at Urban Tree Specialists in Kansas City, Missouri, highlighted the role of safety in differentiating his company. “We want to be professionals, and that’s where PPE and safety come into play big time for us,” Feyh said. “If a home- owner sees a crew and thinks, ‘Well, if this company isn’t even worried about wearing hard hats or ear protection or
Without adequate hearing protection, arborists are at risk of long-term damage. Even basic, foam earplugs can offer protection.
26 | ArborTIMES™ Winter 2025
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