TreeDimensional

I am aware that this is an international site, and I believe we are all aware of the dangers of doing tree work. I would even venture a guess that on every job site, situations occur that cause us to dig deep into our resource bag of tricks to rectify. This work experience, combined with education is what keeps us and our employees safe. I think it is obvious that this is where the commonality ends.

As the industry grows, we seem to be struggling with where we fit in the scheme of the regulatory bodies. For workers compensation in Saskatchewan, we are grouped in with the forestry workers and roofers. The only association with these other two groups, is that we work at height. As the forestry/logging industry becomes more technologically advanced, there is little that is done without machinery. That leaves the arborists grouped with the roofers. With all due respect for the roofers, the most serious mishap is the chance of a fall. The arborist is concerned with the chance of a fall, struck-bys, cuts, electrical hazards.......

Sorry, back to the point of the thread. What are WE doing to our industry as far as input into OUR standards. I like to come home at night. I like visiting with family and friends. I DON'T like the government dictating what is going to keep me safe. I understand there must be industry standards, we must comply with OH&S regulations. For me to bring in an inspector for MY personal gear, and keep a diary its use would kill my business. Logistically it would not work in a geographic location like mine. I have a small operation and only have one other worker, my wife. It is OUR equipment, we look after it.

My question is should small operations be compaired to large (more than 10 employees) as far as the inspection issue goes? The thing I hear often is how the larger companies employees don't look after the equipment. Why would they, it's NOT theirs. At the end of the day, it is the employer who is held accountable for the gear and the employee it an accident were to happen. The issue becomes more complex when an accident happens mid-term in the inspection period. Does anyone think that an employee is going to write a memo in a diary when he shock loads a carabiner? Especially if the company has a policy stating this is unacceptable. NO! Or MAYBE, depends on the employee. If the employee does report it, the boss is mad, if he doesn't someone could die.

The way around this is simple. All employees own their own equipment! The rules shouldn't be broken, but a lot of small tree operations have shut the doors because of an incident. This isn't meant to sound like a regulation bashing outburst. It is meant to be a wake-up call for the people that work at height. Look after yourself through respect for the equipment, it could be your own life your saving.