THE POWER OF A JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS (JSA)
While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) over- sees safety regulations across indus- tries, arboriculture is lumped into the “Big 10” – one of the top 10 most dangerous professions in the U.S. As such, OSHA and arboriculture- specific safety standards are critical for protecting workers in this field. One of the key safety practices outlined in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) ANSI Z133 is the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) — also known as a job briefing or tailboard meeting. Before starting any tree care operation, a JSA shall be conducted. The lead arborist briefs the crew on potential hazards, site conditions, and specific tasks. If you’re working solo, you’re still expected to follow the same precautions as if you had a team with you. A JSA serves the same purpose as wed- ding vows — it ensures that everyone involved is on the same page. Once signed, it becomes a legal document that can protect both the workers and the company in case of an accident. It’s a “shall” in the ANSI Z133 regulations, meaning it’s not optional. In industries like utility line clearance, JSAs are revisited aer every break or when there’s a change in the scope of work. Crew leaders mentor team mem- bers to lead briefings, ensuring every- one understands the risks and hazards on the job site. When a new person enters the site — whether it’s a supervisor, roadside flagger, or crew member — they must review and sign the JSA. Safety in arboriculture is more than just a checklist; it is the foundation of every operation. Overlooking safe- ty can have immediate and long-term consequences that impact not only the individuals on the job but also the company as a whole.
The Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop’s (WTCW) aerial rescue class plays a crucial role in ensuring that a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is executed smoothly and effectively.
The nature of arboriculture inher- ently exposes workers to numerous hazards, including the risks of falls, equipment malfunction, and unpre- dictable environmental conditions. By taking shortcuts or neglecting safety protocols, the chances of accidents increase dramatically.
MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF HURT When safety is ignored, it is not just personal injury that is at stake. Fi- nancial and legal repercussions oen follow.
ArborTIMES Fall 2024 | 65
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online