Preventing Falls from Trees for Trainers and Supervisors

Objective: To prevent falls while trimming or pruning tree limbs.

Background

You should always use a full-body harness and other safety equipment while working in trees. A full-body harness wraps around the waist, shoulders, and legs. It has a D-ring in the center of the back to attach a lanyard or other safety devices. A full-body harness is the best type of safety system to use while you are trimming limbs. Always secure the harness before you start. Ask your employer if training and safety classes are provided for the proper use of harnesses and trimming equipment such as chain saws, hand cutting saws, and pruners. A safety belt can also be used while trimming limbs in trees. However, a safety belt will only keep you in position. It will not protect you if you should fall.

While trimming tree limbs, always be aware of electrical power lines. Most power lines are not insulated. Serious injury and possible electrocution can occur if you come into contact with power lines. Only experienced workers should trim trees near power lines. If possible, your employer should ask the power company to cut the power while you are trimming trees near power lines.

Overhead Power Lines

• Check for overhead power lines!
• Stay at least 10 feet away from power lines.

Safety Procedures to Prevent Falls

• Check trees and tree limbs for structural weakness before you climb or start trimming.
• Check all equipment for defects before you climb or start trimming.
• Be sure you are properly tied into the tree before you start trimming.
• Use a safety rope to raise and lower tools.
• Always pay attention to your footing. Check before you change your position.
• Always make sure that other workers are not below while you are trimming.
• If possible, have a co-worker on the ground act as a spotter.
• Do not work in trees if you are tired. Fatigue can lead to a fall or an injury.

Safety Equipment

• Full-body safety harness
• Safety belt
• Lanyards
• Lifelines
• Cross-arm strap
• Earplugs or noise mufflers
• Safety glasses or goggles
• Gloves
• Hard hat
• Steel-toed boots

Review These Important Points

• Always use the proper safety equipment while pruning trees to lessen the possibility of falling or having an incident.
• Only experienced workers should trim or prune tree limbs near power lines.
• Check all equipment for defects before you climb or start trimming.
• Never use a metal ladder to trim tree limbs near power lines.

About These Modules
The author team for the training modules in the landscape and horticultural tailgate training series includes Dee Jepsen, Program Director, Agricultural Safety and Health, Ohio State University Extension; Michael Wonacott, Research Specialist, Vocational Education; Peter Ling, Greenhouse Specialist; and Thomas Bean, Agricultural Safety Specialist. Modules were developed with funding from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Grant Number 46E3-HT09.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Department of Labor.

Answer Key:

1. T

2. F

3. T

4. T

5. F

Quiz: Preventing Falls from Trees

Name____________________________________

True or False?

1. A full-body harness is the best type of safety equipment to use while trimming trees.     T     F

2. A safety belt will protect you if you should fall.     T     F

3. You should perform a safety check of all equipment each time before you climb into a tree.     T     F

4. If you trim tree limbs near power lines, only use a wooden or fiberglass ladder.     T     F

5. The top step of a stepladder can be used if necessary.     T     F