Safety hazards common to pruning

Objective To help workers recognize, prepare for, and prevent hazards common to pruning SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Background Pruning accidents happen by the hundreds each year According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 27,000 people were hospitalized from pruning injuries during 2006 SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Most common injuries Falls from heights Animals/insects Dangerous equipment injuries Strains/sprains from awkward positions Lacerations Injuries from falling objects SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Never let your guard down Branches can fly back and damage the eye, face or head Deep scratches can occur if gloves aren't worn SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Equipment and their hazards Pole shears, power shears, pole saws, hand saws, loppers, and manual and electric hedge trimmers Sharp edges and pinch points Some have electrical hazards SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Pre-pruning preparation Inspect the work area Identify power lines, communication lines, lighting, and other things that might be hanging in the tree (like bee hives) SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Pre-pruning preparation Inspect pruning tools Functioning properly? All moveable joints lubricated? Blades sharpened adequately? Workers are most susceptible to injuries when using tools with dull blades For electric equipment, inspect the electrical cord and plug for defects SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.

Personal Protective Equipment Safety glasses Fitted abrasion-resistant gloves Hard hat, especially for employees working below Long-sleeved shirt and pants Hearing protection if operating power equipment

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. Personal Protective Equipment Work boots that lace up above the ankle and have good tread Reflective vest if working near a roadway Appropriate dress for weather Light-colored, thin clothing for hot days Warm layers for cold or wet days

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. Personal Protective Equipment For all outdoor work, adequate sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat provides protection against the sun’s harmful rays

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. Pruning safety precautions Wear appropriate personal protective equipment Safety glasses with side shields, hard hat, gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, boots, sunscreen

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. Pruning safety precautions Never prune trees or branches within 10 feet of power lines Contact local utility to secure appropriately qualified tree trimming services Maintain a safe working distance from other people when using pruning tools or equipment

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. Pruning safety precautions Do not attempt to cut branches bigger than the pruning tool was designed to cut Never over-reach while pruning Avoid getting into a routine or moving too fast when pruning May become “blind” to surroundings and unintentionally cut other hand

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. Pruning safety precautions Before making a cut, always make sure the ground below the branch is clear Prior to dropping a branch, give an audible warning (“timber”) Take frequent breaks when performing repetitive tasks Do not overtire yourself

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. Pruning safety precautions Never use electric pruning tools or equipment when it is raining or in wet conditions Always store or sheath hand tools properly Always carry pruning tools with the sharp end pointed down

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. Pruning safety precautions Always use both hands when operating power equipment Pole shears and hedge trimmers

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. If using a ladder for pruning Always set ladder on solid, level surface Keep ladder free of oil, grease, dirt or mud that could make rungs slippery Open A-frame stepladders with spreaders locked

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. If using a ladder for pruning Never step above the top two rungs of a stepladder Never stand on a rung or step and face away from the ladder Always mount ladders from the center and climb/descend the ladder using both hands

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. If using a ladder for pruning Do not purposefully drop pruning tools from ladders Do not over-reach while on a ladder Climb down and move the ladder over Never carry equipment while climbing up or down a ladder Either have another worker hand you the tools or use a rope (never by the power cord) to raise and lower tools

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. General safety for pruning Use proper lifting techniques Avoid awkward postures Drink plenty of liquids to prevent heat exhaustion and dehydration

SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co. General safety for pruning Before making a cut, always know the location of your hands and fingers Take short, frequent breaks from repetitive tasks and stretch before, during and after work Particularly important when using hand pruners

Review Inspect the area before beginning work Always wear required Personal Protective Equipment Use ladder safely Properly maintain equipment Always make sure the area below you is clear SAFETY SCHOOL > Information provided by the Georgia Urban Ag Council and W.S. Pharr & Co.