High Winds and Tree Damage: Welcome to Summer 2022 (Part 2 of 2)

In my last post I asked if it seemed windier than normal this spring. Now I’m wondering, “Does it seem hotter this year than normal?” As I write this post, the thermometer outside my window reads 103 degrees! Welcome to summer 2022.

In this part of 2 of two posts about high winds and tree damage, we will discuss safety issues surrounding tree trimming and removal, and I’m going to sprinkle in a little message about working in the heat, too.

 As discussed in the last post, we’ve identified damaged trees, or perhaps trees that just need maintenance. Trimming and maintaining healthy trees is dangerous work; removing or trimming damaged trees is much worse. You must consider several additional factors such as powerlines, traffic, and sometimes the public as they stroll along the boulevard. We can’t possibly cover every aspect of safely cleaning up damaged trees in a short blog, so let’s quickly review the hot button issues and you can follow the links for additional training and safety ideas. 

From a regulatory and enforcement standpoint

• The U.S. Department of Labor standard 29 CFR 570 requires chainsaw operators be over 16 years of age. 
• OSHAstandard 1910.266 – Logging Operations governs safe operations and employee safety requirements. 

Training
Understand chainsaw operation and the hazards involved in tree trimming and removal. The videos linked below from High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety are great starting points for saw operation and safety. 

• How to Use a Chainsaw Safely Part 1
• How to Use a Chainsaw Safely Part 2

Personal Protective Equipment
Minnesota Statutes, Section 182.655 Subdivision 10a requires employers to provide necessary personal protection equipment (PPE) to employees. This includes, at a minimum:

• Hard hat
• Face shield/eye protection
• Hearing protection (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95)
• Cut-resistant gloves
• Protective chaps or pants
• Cut-resistant footwear

Learn more about PPE in this “Chainsaw use and OSHA Compliance” article from MCIT Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust

Additional chainsaw safety training links:

• OSHA-funded PowerPoint on chainsaw safety basics
• U.S.Agriculture Safety and Health Centers video library
• OSHA Fact Sheet: Working Safely with Chainsaws
• University of Minnesota “Safety Requirements for Chainsaws, Chippers, and Brush Cutters” publication 

Working from heights
Maintaining trees and clearing damaged trees often requires working from heights, which may include using ladders, bucket trucks or “cherry pickers,” or other methods to gain access.

OSHA standard 1910.26 governs the use of ladders in the workplace, while CFR 1926.500
provides governance for general working from heights.  

Click here for a sample of a model fall protection plan.

Working in hot weather conditions
It goes without saying that storm damage recovery and clean-up may require employees to work in hot weather conditions. Recall that OSHA has a National Emphasis Program directive for workers exposed to hot working environments. Read this recent LMC Pipeline blog post for an outline on this standard and how to comply. When possible, schedule regular tree maintenance during cooler weather conditions.

Public safety or scene safety
We all do it — after a storm we go for a walk or a drive to see “how bad it was.” It’s human nature to be curious. So, as you and your staff embark on storm clean up, be mindful of residents who may be out for a stroll. Be sure to cordon off areas of heavy damage. Cones or safety tape may be adequate in some areas, but police, fire, or public safety staff may be needed for high hazard zones such as downed power lines or heavily damaged buildings or infrastructure. Create safe work zones that prevent unauthorized people from entering the work zone.

 As I mentioned, there is no way to cover every aspect of tree maintenance and removal in one (not so) short blogpost. Trees are a beautiful resource and provide enjoyment in countless ways. But when they have been damaged in a storm, they can also provide countless hazards. As part of your city’s emergency management plan, consider your response to damaged trees. For good starting point to emergency management, read this article from the March/April edition of Minnesota Cities by Christina Benson, a research attorney with the League of Minnesota Cities.

Additional resources are also available from your League of Minnesota Cities loss control consultant.  We can help with job hazard analysis, additional safety resources, toolbox talks, and more. 

As always: please work safe. So many people are depending on you.

 

Submitted by: Marc Dunker, Loss Control Consultant