Where do arbos rate?

[Tom Dunlap]

http://www.governmentguide.com/benefits_and_assistance/dangerjobs.adp

I wonder if arbos are lumped in with the #1 group.

Tom

 

[Todd_K.]

What are you talking about?

 

[Fred_Berkelhammer]

Tom,
According to an Arbormaster talk last year, right up there with the fishermen.

--Fred

 

[Tom Dunlap]

When the statistics were compiled I think that the numbers included people in the logging industry. I don't believe arbos were included. Possibly could be though. Without knowing for sure, saying that arbos work in as dangerous environment as commercial fisheries perpetuates a myth.

tom

 

[Nickrosis]

At the past Wisconsin Arborist Association conference, I heard our industry is among the top three most dangerous. It certainly depends on how the categories are defined.

I don't remember very well who I heard that from, but I believe Cynthia Mills of the NAA mentioned it during her presentation. I could be entirely wrong on where I heard it, but I'm confident of the top three statistic.

Nickrosis

 

[Colin]

Arborists in the UK are definitely in the top three. We have far more accidents than industrial roped access, for example. They have a secondary rope system and rarely use chainsaws. They also don't shock load ropes with unknown weights either! The statistics would be much worse if all the accidents were reported. This is why we are the current focus of the Health & Safety Executive - They don't like the fact that our work and safety rope are one and the same, that our anchor points are sometimes questionable, that we are exposed to uncontrolled swings, and we use chainsaws that are easy to use one handed!

Anyone who thinks tree work isn't a hazardous business hasn't accurately assessed the risks. We work closely with the HSE to prove our professionalism, and have developed training programmes and guides for a basic national standard. Accident stats are then measured against this.

As far as basic standards in tree work certification are concerned, I feel the UK has a lot to offer the rest of the world. Even so - its still rated a risky business.

 

[Rob_Murph]

I think Utility Arbo's would be rated even higher.....and there were certanly a lot of unreported incidents....especially when contract clauses carry penalities for infringments.