ArborTIMES, a digital publication serving the tree care industry in the U.S., recently published Training for Aerial Rescues, an article that details the training and procedures required when conducting an aerial rescue.
The tree care industry experiences more than double the incidents of accidents among all other occupations. Tree care work tabs an annual rate of 238.7 injuries per 10,000 workers, while all other occupations experience just 89.4 incidents, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA.)
Workers are consistently exposed to a wide range of potentially fatal injuries while conducting tree care work. These include injuries from falls, electrocution when working among electrical lines, lacerations from chainsaw accidents, and dismemberment or decapitation when exposed to wood or brush chippers.
Many injuries can occur when tree care professionals are working high up in the trees, which can compromise efforts to administer assistance. An aerial rescue may be necessary to assist a wounded worker and bring them safely to the ground where they can receive life-saving care.
The importance of proper training in such a situation cannot be understated. In ArborTIMES’ Training for Aerial Rescues article, multiple training professionals discuss why it’s important to avoid hasty decisions, especially when the injured worker is a friend or team member.
“The number one rule we have is, ‘There are no second victims,’” says Jonathan Sullivan, owner of Century Tree Care, LLC, and a contract trainer with Noble Oak Safety and Training.
ArborTIMES’ Training for Aerial Rescues article also discusses tips on developing an emergency rescue plan, proper training, rescue gear bags, OSHA regulations, and more.
ArborTIMES is a fully digital publication designed to educate and inform the tree care industry. Subscribers include professionals across the green industry specializing in arboriculture, pests, safety, technology, equipment, and more. Safety begins with teamwork, and our goal is to provide timely, valuable information to support these efforts. Learn more at https://arbortimes.org/
