Is it any safer?

NorCalBrock · Sep 29, 2015

The ground guy and I were talking about my gear and he said "wow, I bet it is so much safer now". I wanted to say "it sure is" since gear and safety equipment has evolved and there are more trainings available. But, I've learned never to assume and ask questions. I did a little searching online but couldn't find any hard data.

Is tree work safer these days?

I would like to know the % of accidents on trained and correct gear crews vs. all the others.

I can't compare the numbers of annual accidents in the field - because the number of people in the field fluctuates. Rather, it would be easier to know the % trained folks getting hurt or worse.

Also, with better gear and YouTube, are people taking greater risks?

I'm sure a TCIS or ISA genius has the best answer.

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Jem4417 · Sep 29, 2015

As far as advancements in climbing gear goes and its ability to place less fatigue on your body, by the end of the job you'll have more energy and hopefully more patience to follow through with safety protocols and finish the job without shortcuts.

jmcscrap · Sep 29, 2015

Sure - equipment has evolved, pulleys hold more and ropes hold more so what do we do? Some go bigger and bigger - but one thing hasn't evolved to hold more and more weight - the tree. I know you're asking about trained vs. untrained, but what training? How to use the gear or how trees react when we start loading them? Which member of the crew has the training? A new groundie can injure or kill a highly trained and educated climber with a couple extra wraps on the porty, how does that factor in?
I think it's a great question, just too many variables to get a solid number.

NorCalBrock · Sep 29, 2015

That's why I'm wondering. I bet there is some data on % of trained vs. untrained. It would be an easy selling point for ACRT, TCIA, and ISA. There are definitely a lot of things to factor, such as quantity, quality, etc.

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NorCalBrock · Sep 29, 2015

The "most dangerous tree" thread made me think - they can all be dangerous based on training, experience, and surrounding hazards.

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Jem4417 · Sep 29, 2015

I agree rigging comes down to training and experience. Maybe with some of the ideas coming out about how to distribute your rigging forces in the tree using stuff like x rings, rig n wrench and thundersling helps make things a little less on the groundie at the portawrap and more about helping your rigging change energy on its own as it falls reducing the chance of failure. Obviously training is still necessary... Srt redirects can give you way better work positioning when out on tips reducing the chance of a hard swing. Plus base anchors give a better way to rescue a climber.