(The membership of CTPA voted to adopt the following Code of Safety at its Annual Meeting – January 20, 2005.)
The Connecticut Tree Protective Association recognizes that tree care is a high risk profession that requires proper training and full concentration to be performed safely. It often involves heights, heavy objects, large equipment, sharp tools and, on occasion, exposure to potentially hazardous materials.
As such, safety is a primary responsibility for those involved in tree care. Each individual has the obligation to promote a safe work environment. Safety is both an individual and a team activity, in which everyone must play a part.
In addition, the CTPA offers the following as principles of safety:
- Every tree care company should establish a Safety Plan, through which company safety policies are made familiar to all and that is fully implemented through training and enforcement.
- No one is exempt from safe practices. Safety is an essential component of every job. Everyone is included: the sales person who writes up the job, the foreman who supervises the crew, the owner who supplies the resources, and especially, the workers themselves. All supply the attitude, the commitment and the awareness that prevents accidents and leads to safe work.
- The ANSI Z-133.1 standard provides safety criteria for those engaged in tree care, while OSHA 1910.269 provides the safety regulations with regard to work in proximity to energized conductors. Every employer and supervisor should be familiar with these documents, and every employee have the benefit of the information contained in these standards.
- Communication is a foundation stone of safety and so must be a constant part of everyone’s day. This communication must occur at all levels and between all parties, including among workers and between workers and employers.
- Safety training is key to the prevention of accidents. Training must be ongoing, regular, and documented.
- Tree care is a team effort. Safety requires that all members follow the rules.
- Advance planning is a critical factor in accident prevention and emergency response.
- Safety demands constant attention, as even a momentary loss of concentration places safety at risk.
- Safety, like any other professional skill, improves with practice.
- Every tree worker has the right to expect to arrive home safely at the end of the workday.
- Every employer has the right to expect commitment to the Safety Plan at all levels of the workforce.
