PPE: Helmets, hearing protection,...

Dan Cobb

Dan Cobb

Been here a while
Location
Hoover
I've seen some local companies working where climbers weren't wearing helmets, chipper crew didn't have hearing protection and other instances of what seems to be total disregard for appropriate PPE. Coming from a long background in industrial safety where this type of behavior is not tolerated, I just don't get it. I always don my helmet, hearing protection, eye protection and safety toe boots for doing any kind of tree work. When I see a crew working without proper PPE, I immediately think they can't be a top-notch operation. When I see guys wearing top of the line PPE, I think they're likely to be a good company. PPE has much more bearing on my impressions than matching shirts (in the absence of observing long enough to get an idea of their work practices.) Maybe I'm just biased by my background. Am I off base or onto something?
 
I think you’re right on target, a lack of basic safety equipment is a clear sign of a lack of professionalism in most cases. Unfortunately it also is how the majority of the companies around here operate. I’ve hired two employees in the last year or two who had never heard of chainsaw protection, and neither had ever worn a hardhat despite years working in the trees.
 
When you care for your own safety and that of your crew by investing in proper protection equipment, it shows customers you are safety focused which in turn likely makes them feel more comfortable that you will care for the safety of and the respect of their property.

You are not wrong. Would you want a surgeon operating on you without gloves or a mask? Attention to detail and following appropriate safety practices demonstrates professionalism.
 
climbingmonkey24 said:
When you care for your own safety and that of your crew by investing in proper protection equipment, it shows customers you are safety focused which in turn likely makes them feel more comfortable that you will care for the safety of and the respect of their property.

You are not wrong. Would you want a surgeon operating on you without gloves or a mask? Attention to detail and following appropriate safety practices demonstrates professionalism.
Click to expand...
That last part about the surgeon..... BAM. SPOT ON-
 
Lack of eye protection is the one I really don't get. Even if you don't think you will never damage your eyes beyond function, don't you get sick of sawdust in your eyes all day?

Not to say that safety glasses are more or less important than hardhats, hearing protection, chaps, or anything else...just that those are the one thing that prevents the most immediate annoyance.
 
I have no way of knowing for sure, and maybe some of our non US members can confirm or deny, but all the UK, European, Canadian, Australian etc youtube videos I see, are full PPE and extremely professional. Then there are the US cowboys(no offense to real cowboys). One of our local companies has a coupon add out now touting 27 years experience. No PPE in any photos, no double secured etc. Just what has he learned in 27 years?
 
I definitely agree with all of the above comments. However, I’d like to share a brief story from my own experience. About 8 years ago I met a local climber. I was just starting out and was looking for any help I could get. This guy wore no PPE at all. No helmet, glasses, chaps, nothing. His climbing style consisted of 2 work position lanyards that he would alternate as he basically free climbed trees. Fortunately, I realized quite quickly that he was not the mentor I was looking for. Over the years, I’ve kept in touch with him and he’s become a good friend. I’ve learned that he had no formal training on tree work or climbing and was simply doing what he knew how to do. My boss and I have been able to mentor him as we’ve gotten to know him more. He was simply ignorant of proper climbing procedures and PPE. He is the absolute BEST climber I know and we hire him at least 8-10 times a year to help us on jobs. He’s extremely professional and (now) always follows ANSI standards and best practices. He literally just needed someone to coach him as he wasn’t doing his own research on his career.
All that to say, while most guys we observe not following basic PPE protocol are probably unprofessional hacks, there may be a few who just need help and would be open to receive it.
 
On the same side of having proper PPE (not only for personal safety) which enhances your company profile and makes you look more professional, consider how many potential customers out there who don’t actually care whether someone has appropriate PPE, or even proper insurances etc.? More so chasing cheap work versus quality. I’m sure most of us on here have encountered situations with potential clients where it’s very obvious they aren’t as concerned about your professional equipment or qualifications and more so how much you’re gonna charge them.

Those are the types of customers you want to stay clear of in my opinion.
 
Jonny said:
Helmet was a learning curve for like 5 minutes, then I forgot it was there. First 7 years or so was without one.

Truth be told, haven’t needed it yet, and hope I never do, but just in case, I rather appreciate my brain.
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I was 40ft up in a Silver Maple pruning and took the hardest hit to my helmet I’ve ever experienced. Upon closer investigation, my climbing line had broken off a dead nub above me that was 6” in diameter. It hit me square on top of my helmet. Had I not been wearing one I would’ve been heading to the hospital that day.

People don’t seem to realize that you don’t wear PPE because you think you’re incapable of not hurting yourself, you wear it for the unexpected. You can do everything right, and still have an accident.
 
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