4 Crucial Elements To Creating A Safer, More Efficient Jobsite for Arborists

1. Jobsite Briefing H.O.P.E

The best way to ensure the whole crew is prepared for safe, efficient work is to conduct a jobsite briefing before the tree work begins. The entire arborist team should participate in the jobsite walkaround led by the crew supervisor.

Use the acronym H.O.P.E. to cover the four basic steps of the arborist jobsite briefing:

Hazards — things on the jobsite that could be dangerous to arborists
Obstacles — people or things on the jobsite that can be hurt or damaged by equipment
Plan — tasks that need to be performed and positioning of the individuals involved.
Equipment — the equipment and PPE needed to safely and efficiently complete the plan

Climber Command/Response Communication Protocol

2. Command/Response Communication Protocol

Once the work begins on a jobsite, it is important to keep the lines of communication open and active. A simple voice command/response communication system can be very effective. This means no one assumes their command has been heard — they make sure of it.

For example:

Climber yells “stand clear” before cutting a aloft or using an unsecured piece of equipment
Climber waits for the “all clear” or “go ahead” response from the ground
Once the ground confirms the response, the climber owns the “drop zone” area beneath him/her and no one else should enter it

3. Emergency Preparedness

Arborist jobsite safety should be everyone’s top priority, and that means crews need equipment and protocols in place for when things don't go according to plan. This includes an emergency response protocol involving, but not necessarily limited to:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Fully-stocked first aid kit in a location known by all crew members before job begins
Cell phone coverage
Emergency response protocol
Documented physical address of the jobsite

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