safety meeting

Daniel

Daniel

Carpal tunnel level member
Location
Suburban Philadelphia (Wayne)
I was dropping a spar today, slight front lean, rope set by climber, 4 men pulling by hand.. One guy was blowing the lawn behind the tree (away from the lean and pull line). He had actually done the climbing, so he knew which way the tree was leaning.
Before starting the back cut, I waved him off and asked him to get out of the potential DZ... He got a little pissy and said something, "why?... are the laws of physics not working today?"...

So we had a 5 minute safety meeting.. The one question I asked is.... "(even though there was 0% chance of the tree hitting him), why would I ask him to get out of the potential DZ..
 
Hate to say it but I think you were right Daniel.

How about amend that to 1% chance?

Don't take any chances and you will go home safe today and every day. Keep pushing the limit and maybe one day it'll come back to bite you in the butt.
 
I would told you to get the skid steer out and shut your mouth!

Only kidding, I completely agree with you for two reasons.

First non-essential personnel not involved in the cutting should be 2000% of the estimated tree height from the stump, 150% at least. Its an unneeded stress on the rest of the crew.

Second, and this is what makes where I work so great :)....You are the boss on that job site Dan, your employees shouldn't question direct instructions. Adding opinions on refining process or constructive brainstorming is one thing but when my boss TELLS me to do something I do it.

Get it, your not my boss :)...
 
A widowmaker in the top can and often does go the opposite way of the tree. So, yeah he needed to move out. You were in charge and therefore had the call. If you didn't want him where he was then he moves. End of subject.
 
When I asked the question to 5 men, only one had an answer.. He thought we could communicate better with the blower shut off...good idea, but not really a concern in that situation..

First thing is its the rules, I mentioned the 200% rule that Nick and John Ball use, which I do not.. Falling a spar in a suburban situation, no chance of dominoes, deadwood flying, or widowmakers, I AM fine with 110-120% or more as practical...

AND more importantly its the precedence. Couple new guys that haven't been working very long, might see that, and think they can just stroll through the DZ any time they want. Its happened before! I've looked up after the tree starts go and seen a new guy in the DZ, looking down at his phone...

Another consideration is focus, the faller needs to be able to focus on the cut, without slightest consideration of "is anyone in the DZ?", "AM I sure this tree can't go the wrong way?" etc.. Its like someone that stands too close to the truck when you're backing up, or just a little to close to the LZ in a rigging scenario.. Don't put yourself in a position where I have to think about your safety, cause I have other things I need to focus on.

I clear the DZ before starting the back cut. Even though it was a back release, I think that's a good time to draw the line. 6 men, 7 hour day, two back cuts, maybe 3-4 minutes delay total..
 
I agree that if your name is on the truck, your word is law. But I do have a small hangup. You stated that there was a 0 percent chance of him being struck. Then by definition he was NOT IN the potential DZ, right?

I've seen trees go the wrong way with poorly cut hinges, even with guys pulling. But never 180 degrees wrong, with a lean and being pulled. Especially with the Murph making the cut.
grin.gif
 
I was thinking much the same, if the objectionable employee wants to call this play then he can call the whole game, in his own business. I find it amazing that some want to argue whilst on wages but won't back themselves into any further responsibility. I encourage questions but not insulates. Undermining in front of the rest of the crew is a poor trait, and unexceptable. 2c
 
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perhaps its a matter of semantics..

He was standing well within an area, the radius of the height of the tree...

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I think he meant that if he was in the radius/DZ there was a chance of hitting him. So maybe 1%?

Hi Daniel, I'm Evan btw
 
Geez...how long would the guy have to stop working if all that had to happen was cut the face? A minute or so?

Its not like you were asking him to 'put his hand in fire'.

Boss or not...when someone asks another to be more cautious they should have some personal respect for the other and oblige them.
 
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Boss or not...when someone asks another to be more cautious they should have some personal respect for the other and oblige them.

[/ QUOTE ]

That would have been a good point to make at the meeting as well...
 
everyone is the way they are for a reason..

he was forcible taken from his mother by child services when he was 9 months old. 30 years before he saw here again. Guess he's got a reason to dislike authority... the authorities came and he never saw his mom again, suffered abuse in foster care etc...

I didn't mind it this time. he moved, he just grumbled a bit on the way... Seemed like a good time to have a quicky safety meeting.

I think its good to have compassion for the next guy, whether we know what he's been through or not...
 
i apologize for being so brash but tree work has its moments like in your case falling a stem where the dangerzones need to stay clear and everyone should be ready to run at a moments notice. standing there with a leaf blower is not a verry professional representation of your companies safety practices.
 
[ QUOTE ]
everyone is the way they are for a reason..

he was forcible taken from his mother by child services when he was 9 months old. 30 years before he saw here again. Guess he's got a reason to dislike authority... the authorities came and he never saw his mom again, suffered abuse in foster care etc...

I didn't mind it this time. he moved, he just grumbled a bit on the way... Seemed like a good time to have a quicky safety meeting.

I think its good to have compassion for the next guy, whether we know what he's been through or not...

[/ QUOTE ]

I understand nd the need for compassion. That being said use that in how it is presented. The safety policies are there for a reason. No need to yell but explain. Your right here with the thinking Dan.

I think this brings up another good point. Knowing and understanding your employees is important. Everyone needs to adhear to the same rules but each employee may need different interactions.
 
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