Safety Articles from the Tree Care Industry Association

Soil Decompaction and Amendment for Urban Trees

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:00:02 EST

We've all seen them: street trees planted with the best of intentions in compacted urban soil. Instead of shading the street with cooling canopies, they struggle to merely survive. What can we do to help? Can we improve the physical structure of urban soil without damaging tree roots? Here we report on the early results of a soil decompaction study conducted at four cities in the eastern United States. The results suggest that one technique isn't enough. To achieve measureable improvements in tree condition, we need to use every tool in the arsenal.

Emissions Standards: 2010...Here We Go Again

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:00:01 EST

It's happening again. Beginning in January 2010, custom diesel utility truck manufacturers will be making additional changes in the designs of their engines, aimed at reducing emissions and cleaning the air. Because of their fuel economy, diesel-powered engines are favored by many industries, including tree care. Diesel fuel powers not just trucks but also the aerial lifts, cranes, chippers and other tools used by arborists.

Demystifying Disc and Drum Chippers

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:14:00 EST

Ultimately, the argument between disc and drum chippers might be likened to a discussion between a Ford and Chevy man. Both can do the job of getting you home at the end of the day, just as a quality brand and appropriate scale of the chipper will do the job it's intended to do - chip tree debris. Ask two tree care pros and you'll likely get two different answers.

Snow Business: Bid vs. Proposal

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:00:02 EST

Recently, while reading through some threads on the various discussion forums for snow contractors, I read about someone saying they were �outbid� on a snow project for last winter. As I read more and more of that particular discussion, I became agitated about the whining that was happening about being �outbid.� Unfortunately, in the snow industry (and in most service oriented industries) the �bid� mentality seems to come to the forefront much more than it should.

Expert Witnessing isn't for the Timid

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 10:00:01 EST

It may be the golden fleece of the arborist�s world, becoming an expert witness. That�s where the big bucks are, right? If you want to earn $250 per hour, or more, just get some experience and head for the courtroom.

Soil Life and Carbon: How Tree Care can help Combat Global Warming

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:41:00 EST

Global warming poses potential significant problems for farms, nurseries and landscapes. Predictions related to extreme and unpredictable weather include coastal flooding, regional droughts, species extinctions, ecosystem disruptions and reduced plant pollination. These issues are serious � and many land use managers around the world believe they are already witnessing such effects.

Are Trees Long Lived?

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:40:00 EST

Trees and tree care can capture the best of people�s motivations and intentions. Trees are living memorials that help communities heal at sites of national tragedy, such as Oklahoma City and the World Trade Center. We mark the places of important historical events by the trees that grew nearby even if the original tree, such as the Charter Oak in Connecticut or the Wye Oak in Maryland, has been lost.

Emerald Ash Borer: Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees and Their Effectiveness

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:00:35 EST

Since June 2002, the emerald ash borer (EAB) has been discovered in nine states in the U.S. as well as in Ontario, Canada. Consequently, many questions have been asked by homeowners and industry professionals regarding the capability and need of insecticides for protecting ash trees from EAB.

Read the full article at TCIA.org

Safe Work Practices When Using Cranes to Remove Trees

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:00:23 EST

The use of mobile, truck-mounted cranes for tree work has increased dramatically in recent years. Accidents while using mobile cranes for tree work have also increased. This article will focus on safe work practices while using a mobile crane for removing trees.

Read the full article at TCIA.org

Getting a Grip on Your Business � With the Right Attachment

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:00:04 EST

Depending on who you talk to or your source of news and opinion, this recession will last from two to perhaps 10 years. However, experts on all sides of the issue agree that all is not doom and gloom. The economy will continue to recover, albeit at what pace no one knows.

Read the full article at TCIA.org

Finding Markets for Recycling Green Waste

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:00:14 EST

There will be waste, always – the economy notwithstanding. The question is how to deal with it.

Read the full article at TCIA.org

Reduce Your Risk of Death from Electricity

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:00:02 EST

A tree care worker was standing on a ladder using an extended aluminum pole pruner to trim a palm. The pole pruner came into contact with an energized power line. The worker was electrocuted.

Read the full article at TCIA.org

Tough Economy, Greater Environmental Awareness Are Changing Who Is Willing to Spray � and How They Do It

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:04:00 EST

With decades of experience designing and selling spray equipment for tall trees, the rough ride of today’s economy is impacting Georgia-based Durand Wayland in more ways than one.

Read the full article at TCIA.org

Rope Decisions can make - or break - your business

Tue, 05 May 2009 12:00:02 EST

Your personal assets are hanging in the trees – and the breeze! Is your climbing rope up to the task?

Read the full article

http://www.treecareindustry.org/articles/magazine/TCI0409_p24.htm

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:00:06 EST

While ground workers suffer most of the accidents that occur in our industry, climbers are exposed to some unique risks. There are many ways in which a climber can be injured, from electrical shock to lacerations and fractures. There are also an infinite number of potential situations for those injuries to occur while working aloft, from being pinned by a fallen branch to chain saw kickback. How then do we prepare for this array of potential situations and injuries? The answer is practice; the step-by-step practice of aerial rescue and emergency response.

Read the full article

Pest Management: Client Expectations and Employee Education

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:00:02 EST

It is clear as documented by a number of studies that what clients primarily want from their tree and landscape service providers is an assessment of the health and pest issues of their trees and landscape plants. Provision of services that maintain health and vigor is an obvious extension of this desire. Providing post mortems because the initial symptoms of a key pest were overlooked is not a good way to support customer satisfaction. This article focuses on helping employees and companies meet client expectations in the landscape.

Read the full article

Chipper Accidents are more Common than Reported

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:00:12 EST

Every time someone has the misfortune to be killed in an accident involving a wood chipper, the reporting newspaper will often include the following citation: “A total of 31 people died in chipper accidents between 1992 and 2002 according to an article published in a 2005 Journal of the American Medical Association.” Ironically, one newspaper used this phrasing twice in an eight-month period. If there have only been 31 fatal accidents in an 11 year period, it does seem odd that a single community would experience two within a year.

Read the full article

Don't Let Chain Saw Complacency Set In

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:44:00 EST

Jose Mercado compares the chain saw to a loaded handgun. You can use it as a tool for years and make a living with it – but it can still hurt you badly in a moment of carelessness. And what leads to carelessness? Mercado says that complacency and lack of training are the two major factors that cause injury.

Read the full article

Why Do I Need to Understand Alternative Dispute Resolution?

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:51:00 EST

When confronted with conflict, what is your response? Are you a catalyst for reconciliation or a proponent of discord? Do you act first and think later or are you calm and encourage resolution?

Read the full article

Choosing a Log and Debris Loader

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:45:00 EST

To call the “log loaders” used in tree care by that name is a bit of a misnomer, unless, of course, you’re also in the logging business.

Read the full article

Investigating Loads and Forces Climbers Put on Trees

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:34:00 EST

Arboricultural work carries a high risk of injury. The British Health & Safety Executive (HSE), which is their version of OSHA, estimates that fatal and major incidence rates for arboriculture are at least double those of the construction industry. Studies carried out in the U.S. have rendered a similar picture. A number of European arborists are taking measures to reduce these dangers in several aspects of the daily work in the industry, including a particular focus on the stresses climbers and rigging put on trees.

Read full article

Training is Critical to Reduce Traumatic Injuries and Death

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:38:00 EST

Unfortunately, many tree workers never have a chance to experience a near miss incident - instead, they are killed on the job. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is taking a close look at traumatic injuries and fatalities within the Landscape Services industry.

Read full article

What does your local tree service and hit TV show "Ax Men" have in common?

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:10:00 EST

What do the current hit reality shows Deadliest Catch and Ax Men have in common with your local tree service?

Click here to read more

Precision Tree Felling

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:32:00 EST

Safety and Best Saw-Handling Practices

New for TCIA Members - Limited Benefit Program

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:11:00 EST

NEW programs are now being offered to members of TCIA. It is Open Enrollment time for the TCIA Limited Benefit Program! This is an exclusive offer for TCIA member companies. These plans are available to all active employees and their eligible dependants, but may not be available in all states.

Click here to learn more about the Limited Benefit Program and search for a plan in your state.

OSHA Directive Cancelled!

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:19:00 EST

On June 25, OSHA’s Compliance Directorate released a Directive that would have wiped out commercial arboriculture as we know it, forcing all companies to adopt unsafe practices designed for the logging industry.

TCIA went to work immediately in Washington and pledged in an Aug. 8 Regulatory Alert to members that the association would “not rest until this directive is rescinded.”

Effective August 21, the Directive has been rescinded!

Read full article

Operating Aerial Lifts Safely

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:26:00 EST

Strap in, stay focused, stay safe

Chipping Away at Chipper Safety

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:25:00 EST

The tree care industry can be a dangerous one, but is becoming less so as the days go on, thanks to two things that can work independently or in concert with one another: Safer equipment and better operator training.

Undocumented Liability

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:52:00 EST

If the driver of your truck is an illegal immigrant and he gets into an accident, you may watch the dominoes fall

Learning to Read Trees

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:52:00 EST

As part of the job briefing, we must identify all hazards associated with the work before we begin (ANSI Z133.1 -2006 3.1.4, Annex A). Specifically, we need to perform a "visual hazard assessment" prior to working in or on a tree (ANSI Z133.1 -2006 8.1.1).

Crane Use in Arboriculture

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:51:00 EST

Risk, Justification, Skills & Compliance

Aerial Rescue

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:51:00 EST

An ounce of prevention could be worth...someone's life

Creating a Safety Culture

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:50:00 EST

Two Tree Care Companies Setting a Good Example for Others

Fighting Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:49:00 EST

One Man's Plight to Save the Eastern Hemlock

Who is Responsible for Safety?

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:48:00 EST

In my business as a certified safety professional and management consultant, I work with electric utility companies across the nation. I enjoy my work until the phone rings and I hear someone in my office say "Oh no, not again." On the other end of the line someone has called to let us know about a fatality in the industry. Sometimes the call is about a tree trimmer who has been fatally injured.