Properly setting up your crew’s job site promotes safety and reduces some of the common risk associated with tree work, making job site set up one of the most important tasks of the day. Upon arrival, workers should carefully assess the area and create a work plan to set the job up properly. Keep these 6 best practices in mind when getting your job site set up for the day to ensure the safety of your team and the public.

Assess the Area

The first step is to assess the job site for any potential hazards and consider how you will protect yourself, the public and fellow crew members while on the job. When setting up the job site, keep in mind how you will station the equipment for easy access and safe use while keeping in mind how the set-up may affect communication with other crew members.

Also, consider the layout of the property. Are there terrain hazards like sink holes, slopes, hills or muddy areas? Are weather hazards like rain or snow effecting the area? These are important considerations to keep in mind when choosing an area to set up.

Electrical Hazards

Keep your eyes open for conductors and inspect them for electrocution hazards. These electrocution hazards include branches that touch or are near to conductors, pitted or blackened areas on branches cause by electrical arcing, vines growing along wires and limbs that could touch a conductor if weight is applied.

Tree Hazards

Whether trimming or completely removing a tree, tree work is hazardous — but not dangerous if proper procedures and care is taken. Construction injury due to trees is common and can present potential hazards when working. Be wary of trees located near new driveways, foundations, walkways, sprinkler systems or anything else that may have required roots to be cut for installation.

The health of the tree is important, too. Be cautious if you see dead branches, hollows or cracks in the trunk of the tree, signs of root rot or other signals that a tree may be dying. This is important because if the tree is not foundationally sound, it could fall or split and create danger for the crew.

Aggressive Animals

Aggressive animals can present a myriad of safety concerns for you and your crew. Can you hear humming? This can signal the presence of a bee or wasp hive. When working with trees, inspect tree hollows and branches for visible nests, squirrels, raccoons and other wildlife. The less contact you have with these creatures, the better!

Slip and Fall Hazards

Don’t let the potential for slip and falls trip up your crew. When heavy undergrowth is present, look to avoid these areas when setting up the job site. Keep an eye out for slopes, steps and equipment that could get in the way. Tripping may not sound too dangerous, but it can lead to serious injuries.

Additionally, always maintain three points of contact when climbing up or down from equipment. Be extra careful in wet, moist or icy conditions.

Struck-by Hazards

As always, it is important to keep struck-by hazards in mind when setting up your job site. Within the overall work zone, be sure to have a clearly marked drop zone/fell zone. Sloped land can also present a challenge because logs or other debris have the potential to roll away. Areas with heavy undergrowth in the drop zone can create spring poles and lead to injury as well.

Carefully selecting your job site sets the stage for a safer day of work for your crew. Be sure to take these 6 factors into consideration when setting up your next job site, your crew will thank you!