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Many homeowners will, at some point, have to tackle a problem tree on their property. The tree might be causing subsidence problems to the house, causing damage to a neighbour's fence or wall, be diseased or overgrown, or be in such a state that it is in danger of falling over. Whether the problem is one of these or is one the many other possible scenarios, the only option for the homeowner is to get all or part of the tree felled.
Some people will choose to deal with this themselves, especially if the tree is relatively small or the job looks straightforward and they have the tools they think they need for the job i.e. a ladder and a chainsaw - already. Others will choose to get the professionals in, selecting a local tree surgeon to come and solve their leafy problem for them.
Whichever route the homeowner chooses, it is vital that every precaution against accidents is taken when it comes to tree felling. This is because the arboricultural and forestry industry is the most dangerous kind of work to be involved in, with more serious accidents happening in this than any other industry.
Statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal that between 1990 and 1996, an average of six people per year died and three hundred people per year suffered serious personal injuries in tree work accidents. On top of this, there were nearly a thousand other accidents in which employees suffered injuries that necessitated at least three days off work.
With these statistics applying to work accidents alone, the figures can probably be doubled if not more than doubled when taking into account people working on their own property. Cutting down trees is very dangerous work, even for those who have had extensive training, and this kind of task is not something which should be approached lightly and without the appropriate safety gear.
In order to prevent the serious personal injuries which can occur from a tree felling accident, people must be properly equipped. Climbing ropes and a harness should always be worn and used correctly so as to avoid the fall injuries which will inevitably occur should the ladder slip or the branch give way. "Free climbing" is just an accident waiting to happen.
However, climbing equipment isn't the only thing which someone should be wearing if they are to fell a tree safely. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a must if one is handling a chainsaw, and no sensible person aware of some of the terrible personal injuries which can be inflicted by the teeth of a chainsaw would attempt to fell a tree without the appropriate PPE.
The full kit of PPE consists of a safety helmet, hearing protection, a visor, a chainsaw jacket, gloves, all-round leg protection and chainsaw boots. It may give the impression that the wearer is going into space rather than up a tree, but every piece is there for a very good reason to prevent injury.
As well as having appropriate safety equipment, there is a great deal of detailed "safe felling" guidance which can help to keep both homeowners clearing their own trees and professional arboriculturalists free from personal injury. This set of working recommendations cannot be accurately portrayed in a short article but it is vital that they are understood by anyone planning to do some tree felling work.
The HSE has published a set of leaflets which detail this advice clearly and concisely, and there are numerous courses across the UK which can help people learn the skills they need to carry out the work safely and prevent chainsaw accidents. Those who are already employed as an arboriculturalist should ensure that their company provides them with the necessary training and equipment so that they can reduce their risk of suffering injuries in a work accident.
This article may be published on another website free of charge, on the condition that a link is provided from this article to our website: http://www.youclaim.co.uk/personal-injury/personal-injury-solicitors-for-cycling-accidents.htm
