Practical Hazard Assessment

Hazards are everywhere in our work place and we deal with them on a daily basis. In many ways the Arborists job may be to control hazards for other people, Including the homeowner, Local Council or even Power authorities. The tree itself may be the greatest hazard, especially if it is dead, decayed, split or moving in the ground. It is critical that Arborists have the ability to control the hazards associated with dangerous tree removal and that all systems are in place to ensure a safe work place.

Some of the hazard control measures may including:

1. Having trained and competent staff on the work site.

2. Having the right number of staff on site for the task at hand.

3. Having suitable equipment that is in good working order on site.

4. Choosing a suitable work method for the task at hand.

5. Having personal protective equipment for all staff members on site.

6. Working to industry standards and codes of practice.

Believe it or not hazard assessment happens on every job and on every tree and on every day of an arborists working life, quite often with out even thinking about it. Simply looking at a tree job and saying bloody hell this looks scary is part of a verbal hazard assessment. All we need to do is take it from verbal to written form to make it official.
Hazard assessment starts from the time you quote a job and it is a vital part in determining the most suitable work method for the job. The hazards will determine whether it’s a job for a climber, a tower, or a crane based on the degree of safety for each work method for the particular job.
The hazard assessment procedure gives us the tools to deal with risks in the work place. It lets us identify all possible hazards, assess how severe they are, control the risk associated with the hazards and monitor the hazards during the whole job.

Below are the easy steps to hazard assessment:

1. Identify = Discover all the hazards to health and safety in the work place.
2. Assess = Decide how severe the hazards are and how likely they are to happen.
3. Control = Do something about controlling the hazards.
4. Monitor = Constantly monitor the changing environment and hazards.

Note:
1. These four key points can form part of a custom-made hazard assessment form.
2. If you identify a hazard then you must do something about controlling it.
3. Some hazards can be very severe but not very likely and others the opposite.
4. Check to make sure the control measure is eliminating or reducing the risk.

Controlling the hazards in your work place also has a four step approach, this approach works in order of priority. It starts at the top with the most effective way of controlling hazards and finishes with the least effective.

Below are four ways to do something about the hazards

1. Eliminate the Hazard
The most effective way to increase safety.
E.g. Shut off power to power lines to eliminate the hazard.

2. Keep hazards and people apart
Used if you can’t eliminate the hazard.
E.g. Fence off work area from public to keep the hazard and people apart.

3. Change the work method.
Used if you can’t eliminate or separate the hazard from people.
E.g. Lower a branch with ropes instead of letting it free fall is reducing the hazard.

4. Add personal protective equipment.
The least effective way of dealing with a hazard.
E.g. Wear ear muffs when operating a chipper as the above options are not possible.

Note:
1. Not all hazards can be eliminated. If the tree is the hazard then the job is to eliminate the tree.
2. Fencing and signage all play a part in separating the people from the hazards.
3. The work method is generally set at the time of quoting, but it may change on the day.
4. Personal protective equipment is the last option after the other methods did not prove effective.

Points to consider about hazards:

1. Some hazards can be less obvious and have a long term effect on the body.
e.g. Sun cancer, Breathing in dust , Chemical exposure, Allergic reactions.

2. Some hazards will only require first aid and others will kill.
e.g. Even a scratch or rash is due cause to control the hazards that cause them.

3. Hazards can also cause sickness not just Major injuries.
e.g. Sickness from heat exhaustion or breathing in fumes is caused by hazards.

4. The Weather can also be regarded as a hazard on some jobs.
e.g. Rain and Wind play a major safety risk when working in trees.

5. Ask yourself what could go wrong, How could people be injured or killed.
e.g. Will equipment be misused or will people do something wrong.

6. People can also be a hazard to other people on a job site.
e.g. Untrained staff or people working beyond their ability are a real hazard.

7. Consider special hazards or hidden hazards.
e.g. When you change the work environment or location new hazards arise.

8. Imagine a ten year old child was brought into your work place.
e.g. What would you warn them about to ensure their safety on the work site.


Formal written hazard assessments can be a hassle and cost you time in completing forms on every job site but they do safe lives and prevent injury. The whole crew should take part in the hazard assessment process and be fully aware of the hazards and their responsibilities in ensuring a safe work place. Treat hazard assessment seriously because workcover does.

Work safe in the work place

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