Worker killed in tree-trimming accident in Pasaden

[jf1962]

Re: Worker killed in tree-trimming accident in Pas

With all the fatalities and near miss fatalities in climbing palm trees, over the years of climbing these palm trees from the bottom and now I start from the top. I've noticed and I've talked to several companies who've had near misses, the problem is not knowing how to get up to the top and work your way down, it's how to use the equipment and know about the equipment. A lot of guys give up using the big shot because they get the throw-line stuck in the palms and for some companies it takes too long, also I've tried to show them different ways of entering the palm tree from a double rope pulley system to SRT system on a RAD system. To them it's taking the time and learning it, and to them it's wasting time that they could be earning money, so they take the risk. Of course there's those that want to learn the right way but the cost of the equipment is a problem to them. I'll be working with a group of guys next month and I'll try to post some pics of the training. I tell them it's better to take your time and do it right and get home safely to your family. It's one thing being bilingual that I can use this opportunity to help my brothers.

Climbing safe in SO-CAL

 

[Blinky]

Re: Worker killed in tree-trimming accident in Pas

I've heard about using 5/16" amsteel instead of throwline to get over palm tops. I guess that would have a height limit of some sort since it's heavier and all.

 

[Rocks_and_Trees]

Re: Worker killed in tree-trimming accident in Pas

It's not always okay to assume these homeowners are looking for cheap labor. Who knows what the circumstances might have been. I could give you hypos., or just use your imagination.

Bucket trucks are definately ideal...when access permits. Sometimes tho they are in backyards and such. Best way I've found is a heavy throwball (16oz. & up) and a static line. Trimmin em' is easy..clean-up is a beotch.

 

[jf1962]

Re: Worker killed in tree-trimming accident in Pas

They sure are a pain , but once you get the rhythm it get's easy. After I get my throw line up and over , I then set my snakebite and I swear this rope is the bomb for theses palm trees, SRT to the top...

Later in SO-CAL

 

[jf1962]

Re: Worker killed in tree-trimming accident in Pas

Here is the snake bite set up ..

Later in SO-CAL

 

[JesseHuffman]

Re: Worker killed in tree-trimming accident in Pas

[ QUOTE ]
It's not always okay to assume these homeowners are looking for cheap labor. Who knows what the circumstances might have been. I could give you hypos., or just use your imagination.

Bucket trucks are definately ideal...when access permits. Sometimes tho they are in backyards and such. Best way I've found is a heavy throwball (16oz. & up) and a static line. Trimmin em' is easy..clean-up is a beotch.

[/ QUOTE ]

True dat homie. Its not always the homeowoner.
Hope your rib gets better. Call me if you need any help.

 

[treehumper]

Re: Worker killed in tree-trimming accident in Pas

Holly, I agree that it sucks that the risk takers don't get paid their due but, it takes sales to bring in the business otherwise there would be very little to do.

Too many of these types of accidents and fatalities result from the combination of hungry businesses looking for any work and homeowners looking for cheap prices. That's where a good sales person is valuable, they demonstrate to the homeowner the benefit to them of hiring a trained professional at appropriate prices for the work.

Like training treecare professionals the sales force also needs to have proper training. Not just in arboriculture but in business, sales and marketing. That is where their value lies.

Sorry to derail the thread but IMHO it is a part of the problem.

 

[Blinky]

Re: Worker killed in tree-trimming accident in Pas

I've got to agree that sales people are crucial. Selling work consistently is usually hard and if you're on straight commission you can have as bad a month as anybody. To me, getting the business is the hard part and educating customers is the only way to get prices up where they belong.

There shouldn't be such a gap between sales and labor though, both are vital. Sales is hard, labor is risky, both deserve an equal share.

 

[treehumper]

Re: Worker killed in tree-trimming accident in Pas

True, sales when it's straight commission is a risk of a different nature. If you're not closing deals then there's no money while the expenses continue to mount. You put it all on the line, the house, the car, food, etc.... Oh and you have to worry about the crews that rely on you to bring in the work. So now you've also have their homes, cars, and family's wellfare riding on you. No risk there.....

 

[southsoundtree]

Re: Worker killed in tree-trimming accident in Pas

[ QUOTE ]

We, and most pro companies, require bucket use with more than three years of old growth if accessible, or to throw a line over the crown and start from the top down.

There have been about 15 guys killed in the last several years in SoCal. Hispanics, some with "experience," most without, all working for low-ball unlicensed tree companies or gardners. The Western Chapter is trying to get the word out, but while some of it is just ignorance a lot of these folks don't care.

[/ QUOTE ]

Seems like if there could be a catchy phrase to use on lawn signs like the "You can't top a healthy tree", it could start to raise awareness.

Sorry I don't have an idea for the phrase, just a thought.
Maybe this is just something that companies need to broadcast themselves for their own work. Some people will always go bottom dollar, whereas some people will be willing to pay for proper, safe work if they know what they are being charged for. Others will fall in the middle.

Maybe something analogous to not paying someone dirt cheap wages to work under their car in their own driveway with one rickity car jack. A firefighter without an oxygen tank or Nomex clothing.

Explain it as part of PPE and Proper Techniques for people can go home to their families at night.

 

[tcsafety]

Re: Worker killed in tree-trimming accident in Pas

Everytime I encounter a customer's palm with a large skirt I always tell them about the deaths. There have been a few in the news and they are generally interested on how it happened, and why. Many times I have convinced them to keep the growth.

jf1962, I've seen the same thing.

Treehumper and Blinky, I totally agree.

Southsound, you're right about people. Some will pay extra if they know that you're a professional company for the piece of mind. It is an absolute part of the "sales pitch," though I hate to use that phrase. I see myself as an educator in informing them about their tree issues (or lack thereof), and in how the tree biz works. I let them know what we can (or won't) do for them and try to give them a fair price where the company can still make a profit.

I have posed similar questions:
"Would you trust your mechanic to diagnose and suggest a treatment for that funny headache you've been having?"
"So, would you go for the cheapest heart surgeon?"

The medical aspect seems to drive the point home more. But, some people don't care. It will probably take another dozen or so deaths to start to change things greatly.

 

[farmergardiner]

Re: Worker killed in tree-trimming accident in Pas

On our recent vacation in Dominican Republic the landscaping crew used hemp rope as a flip line and a towel around his feet to trim a palm (unsure of variety. His saftey plan was the 4 guys on the ground as spotters.