“When a job involves cutting trees with a chain- saw and dodging falling branches, it goes without saying that there’s an inherent risk to the work.”
1. BUILD A CUSTOM KIT While the market offers pre-packaged first aid kits filled with supplies complying with OSHA regulations and meets ANSI standards, experts agree that tree care compa- nies should build their own in order to have better familiarity with the
2. PACK IT WITH CLASS B ITEMS
There’s no getting around OSHA regulations. Employers must have a first aid kit equipped with the mandated supplies. However, the problem with OSHA’s regula- tions is that they’re too general and don’t fully address the hazards of arboricultur- al operations.
contents. “If it’s your first time opening a kit, you’re already going to lose time because you’re looking
That’s where ANSI steps in. ANSI trans- forms OSHA regulations into a usable format. For first
for things and you don’t know where they’re at,” says Ball. “If you build your own, you know what’s in it.” Of course, the
aid kits, ANSI published the Z308.1 standard which outlines first aid supplies for low-risk and high-risk indus- tries – or Class A and Class B kits. The only difference between
All Photos courtesy of WesSpur unless otherwise noted.
subtext of the argument to build a kit is training. Ball continues, “The kit does nothing. It’s the person who has the knowledge to utilize the material inside the kit.”
the two is that a Class B kit includes a four-inch roller bandage, splint and tour- niquet. Otherwise, the Class A kit covers a lot of ground. OSHA calls it “adequate for small worksites,” which generally covers office settings.
While every precaution can be taken, accidents still happen, so it’s essential to be prepared with a well-stocked first aid kit. Photo by Ascension Group NorthWest.
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