For some years, the Health and Safety Executive has been pushing for steps to be taken to reduce the risks of falling to climbing tree surgeons working in the crown of a tree from a rope and harness. Very sadly, there have been a number of fatalities from falling as a result of single ropes being cut through whilst in the crown of the tree.
No one doubts the need to try and make the work as danger-free as possible and we will be interested to see what the technical guidance will say when it is eventually published.
The industry has been thoughtful in its reaction because the implications of implementing a system requiring two full lines are significant. Like most practical tree surgeons, when we are working on a tree which must be climbed with a rope and harness (as opposed to work being completed from the ground with extending equipment, or from a mobile platform), we rely on a range of risk assessment and implementation steps to help us ensure that we are as safe as possible in the work.
Our team members are all trained and qualified and we don’t employ anyone without the required qualifications. We build experience quite slowly with newly qualified team members, who are supported and mentored by more expereinced hands in the team.
Nonetheless, over the next few months, we are trialling a method of working with two lines to assess what changes we might need to make in our day to day method. That way, by the end of the year, our team will have all been able to assess what the challenges are for both climbers and ground crew, how they might be overcome, and be involved in the implementation of the predictable changes with a greater degree of ownership.
It’s a stunning blue Autumn day as I write this – here’s Joe trailling 2 long lines in his work today.
For advice and information or a quote for work to your trees or hedges, call Andrew on 01256 817369; 07771 883061 or email him Andrew@primarytreesurgeons.co.uk. More information on Twitter @PrimaryTreeSurg