Tree Worker Safety

As is typical for this time of year, I was goofing around in the office today. I happened to find a CD called Introduction to Arboriculture: Tree Worker Safety. The International Society of Arboriculture produced it in cooperation with Stihl and sent it out to all of its members.

The program is billed as a new way to teach tree worker safety. It includes lessons on general safety, climbing, and rigging, with animated knots and interactive exercises. To purchase the CDROM version of Tree Worker Safety, visit the ISA Web Store. Or you can simply view the web-based version which contains the essential content of the Tree Worker Safety CD-ROM in an online format. The web version does not include quizzes or the CEU credits.

I'm not trying to be a pitchman for the ISA, but this is pretty cool. You will like this. The animated knots alone are worth your precious time and attention.

Merry Christmas

You may want to avert your eyes. And ears. I'm pretty sure this video is the worst thing I've ever seen, but I'll let you be the judge.

This one made me laugh out loud, though:

OSHA wants input?

I got the following email from the ISA this week:

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) addressing tree care operations, including hazards, fatalities and control measures. OSHA is requesting data, information and comments on effective measures to control hazards in tree care operations and prevent injuries and fatalities.

The International Society of Arboriculture, Secretariat for the American National Standards Institute's Accredited Standards Committee (Z133), announced that an OSHA representative met with the Z133 Committee on October 30th, 2008. The Z133 committee includes representatives from the tree care industry, labor, the academic community, government, equipment manufacturers, insurance carriers, and other interested groups and individuals.

OSHA requests comment on regulatory alternatives to reduce injuries and fatalities, as well as what requirements a standard addressing hazards in this industry should include and the potential costs and benefits of such a standard. Comments must be submitted by Wednesday, December 17, 2008.

ISA, TCIA, SMA, SCA, and ASCA strongly believe that any standard for tree care operations developed by OSHA should be based on the ANSI Z133 standard. Also, proper training is absolutely essential in the safe practice of tree care operations. In addition to strong, clear, and fair safety standards, widespread education in the use and content of those standards is key to reducing the rate of industry accidents and fatalities. ISA is making an official statement to OSHA on these issues and recommend support of the Z133 standards to OSHA

Visit OSHA's Release for additional details, and here for ways to comment. If you are unfamiliar with the ANSI Z133.1 Safety Standards for Arboriculture you can purchase a copy here. I'm not sure how I feel about OSHA taking a closer look at tree care, but Z133.1 is a good place to start. It is easy to understand and was developed by people in the tree care industry. Most importantly it doesn't feature a lot of confusing or unnecessary guidelines. If anyone has a take on this I'd be interested in hearing it.

Also, be sure to check out this concise look at climbing hitches written by Michael "House" Tain. Among many other pursuits, Michael helped develop the Grizzy splicing technique and currently works with North American Training Solutions.

Not just for the pros...

Couple random things: Be sure to check TreeStuff out on Facebook. Also, I'm scouring the web for arborist/tree care/climbing related blogs. There aren't as many as you might think. If you run one or know of one please shoot it to me. Finally, the video below has been around for awhile, but it is a good one.

European Tree Climbing Championships

Check out this sweet video of the European Tree Climbing championships. Some really cool stuff.

Recreational Climbers

One of the things that surprised me when we got into the arborist supply business a couple years back is how many recreational tree climbers there are. People of all ages get a kick out of seeing how high they can go. It is a little-known hobby (and in some cases illegal), but those who stumble upon it generally find it very rewarding.

There are a handful of online resources dedicated to the recreational tree climber. Tree Climber's Coalition has a pretty healthy online community. Tree Climbers International has a wide array of information to check out.

Here's a great video from New England Tree Climbing to give you an idea of what we're talking about:

Take Back Timbersports

A tour of the DMM factory

Check out this video tour of the DMM factory in Wales. It is amazing how much technology goes into making the modern climbing hardware that we use.