http://www.pressrepublican.com/homepage/local_story_151223052.html
ELIZABETHTOWN — Arborists aren't commonly considered daredevils. But sometimes the job requires them to cut branches while suspended 50 feet in the air.
"Tree guys are catching up to deep sea fishermen and loggers as far as injuries and deaths," said Mark Saulsgiver of Wadhams, who recently coordinated a safety workshop for arborists.
While traditional loggers generally have their feet planted firmly on the ground, an arboreal worker may be hanging high above the forest floor, and, therefore, can't run from a falling branch.
Arborists often cut diseased trees that have rotted branches. So-called "widow-makers" can fall from above and — even with the protection of helmets — workers can be incapacitated.
The inherent danger of the job was one topic at the workshop, attended by local arborists, Department of Environmental Conservation representatives, fire and rescue squads and a crane operator. The group brainstormed, reviewed safety and equipment, and practiced rescue techniques for extricating an injured worker from a tree.
Each tree is unique and has to be analyzed before work can begin. That preparation is key for these workers who often perch near power lines.
"We prefer to see how other tree services and people in the industry work," said Jesse Sprankle of Olympic Tree and Land Management in Saranac Lake. "We all use different climbing techniques."
While it is easier and safer to work from inside a bucket, sometimes the truck cannot be maneuvered into place or reach high enough. That's when climbing gear is employed. The belt of an arborist is generally equipped with carabiners, hitches, pulleys and a knife.
Injuries can result from falling limbs, chain saws or breaking branches.
Like other accidents, care must be taken to stabilize a victim of a suspected spinal cord injury. That becomes more treacherous, however, when the accident happens in a tree.
The basics of first aid, A-B-C (airway, breathing and circulation), are still the top priorities. Tree rescues require two more steps, D and E (disability, such as spinal injuries, and environmental). Environmental assessments include looking for weak limbs and power lines.
DEC Forest Ranger Rob Praczkajlo of Jay was there to absorb rescue techniques so he can assist in an arboreal rescue.
"We always try to cross-train with others and learn about different equipment."
The workshop had Dick Stormer of the Ticonderoga Fire Department thinking about safety from a new angle.
"I've never seen anything like this. I have done cliff rescues, but this is a big eye-opener."
ELIZABETHTOWN — Arborists aren't commonly considered daredevils. But sometimes the job requires them to cut branches while suspended 50 feet in the air.
"Tree guys are catching up to deep sea fishermen and loggers as far as injuries and deaths," said Mark Saulsgiver of Wadhams, who recently coordinated a safety workshop for arborists.
While traditional loggers generally have their feet planted firmly on the ground, an arboreal worker may be hanging high above the forest floor, and, therefore, can't run from a falling branch.
Arborists often cut diseased trees that have rotted branches. So-called "widow-makers" can fall from above and — even with the protection of helmets — workers can be incapacitated.
The inherent danger of the job was one topic at the workshop, attended by local arborists, Department of Environmental Conservation representatives, fire and rescue squads and a crane operator. The group brainstormed, reviewed safety and equipment, and practiced rescue techniques for extricating an injured worker from a tree.
Each tree is unique and has to be analyzed before work can begin. That preparation is key for these workers who often perch near power lines.
"We prefer to see how other tree services and people in the industry work," said Jesse Sprankle of Olympic Tree and Land Management in Saranac Lake. "We all use different climbing techniques."
While it is easier and safer to work from inside a bucket, sometimes the truck cannot be maneuvered into place or reach high enough. That's when climbing gear is employed. The belt of an arborist is generally equipped with carabiners, hitches, pulleys and a knife.
Injuries can result from falling limbs, chain saws or breaking branches.
Like other accidents, care must be taken to stabilize a victim of a suspected spinal cord injury. That becomes more treacherous, however, when the accident happens in a tree.
The basics of first aid, A-B-C (airway, breathing and circulation), are still the top priorities. Tree rescues require two more steps, D and E (disability, such as spinal injuries, and environmental). Environmental assessments include looking for weak limbs and power lines.
DEC Forest Ranger Rob Praczkajlo of Jay was there to absorb rescue techniques so he can assist in an arboreal rescue.
"We always try to cross-train with others and learn about different equipment."
The workshop had Dick Stormer of the Ticonderoga Fire Department thinking about safety from a new angle.
"I've never seen anything like this. I have done cliff rescues, but this is a big eye-opener."
