ArborTimes Winter 2023

educe Risks

basket. They’ll also check to see that li platforms are positioned at a safe distance from electrical lines and that the correct brakes or wheel chocks are being used when the li is parked and positioned. More focused audits can include a pre-job inspection that consists of flying the boom to ensure the equipment is free of mechanical issues, reviewing maintenance re- cords and inspecting equipment for general wear and tear. 3. Traffic control. Tree work will oen bring crews near roadways, so it’s important to make sure that crews are working safely in and around traffic flows. For this safety audit, an auditor will look to see that crews are taking the proper precau- tions, using traffic cones as neces- sary, following local Department of Transportation specifications and ensuring that traffic has not been obstructed in an unsafe way. 4. Tree felling. There are a lot of activities involved in auditing tree felling. This audit will primarily focus on workers performing tree “Adherence to safety best practices is a critical part of any type of work...”

2. Aerial li operation. Aerial li trucks are an essential tool for the work your crews perform, and the safe operation of this kind of heavy machinery is critical. According to OSHA, major injuries and fatalities associated with aerial lis include falls and electrocutions. Your au- dit team will check to ensure tree crews are wearing and utilizing the right body harnesses, including an attached lanyard to the boom or

Your audit team will check to ensure tree crews are wearing and utilizing the right body harnesses, including an attached lanyard to the boom or basket. Photo by Richard May.

Safety audits of your crew should be performed at random and be unanticipated to get a real sense of how your crew is performing.

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