Best Practices Identified at the Gettysburg Safety Summit April 24-25, 2017

Discussion Groups Working Ash Trees Hostile Customers/Situation Resolution Storm Restoration Utility/Tree Crew Communication Driver Attention/Vehicle Incidents

Working Ash Trees

Common Hazards Discussed Root system fails which makes the hazard hard to identify  Property owner doesn’t want to have declining ash removed – must return after it dead Limb split on declining ash tree more frequently Barber chairing is very common Caution using mechanical pullers because the break point is unpredictable You don’t know what portion of the Ash Tree will fail

Preparing for Ash Removal Get second opinion when assessing a danger tree to develop a plan If any part of your work plan can’t be accomplished, don’t climb Some companies already have a policy in place that climbing ash trees that are infected with the Emerald Ash Borer is prohibited.

Best Practices Educate the property owner on the hazards and effects of the ash borer Using an adjacent tree to access dead ash or to rig from Drop utility lines if needed Bringing in equipment (Lifts, Crane, Arial Saw, Feller Bunchier, etc…) on property to remove ash, letting customer know that may be required if the tree declines more sometimes convinces them to allow earlier removal Don’t pre-load trees by pulling on a rope or using mechanical puller Use bore cut to reduce the chance of the ash tree barber chairing Develop a specialized utility line clearance climbing crew that remove the infected Ash Trees

Hostile Customers/Situation Resolution

Best Practices – Customer Service Communication of planned work is critical Listen to the property owner Find a common interest to discuss When a customer complaint comes in make phone contact with the quickly. Sometimes is better to let the customer cool down before a face to face meeting.

Best Practices – Personal Safety Ask yourself what your gut is telling you about the situation Always take a co-worker with you. Don't let a customer put you in a unsafe situation Plan an exit route Observe surroundings when arriving for clues to customers state of mind and if there are dogs Don't retaliate if a customer is threatening physical harm, remove yourself from the situation. Communication of known hostile customers is critical

Storm Restoration

Best Practices Emergency Action Plan First On the Scene Does your company have one? Required Job Briefing Info Equipment and Materials First On the Scene Know the Procedure

Best Practices cont. Situational Awareness Alternative Energy Sources Effective Job Briefing Assume the Worst Continual Assessment Alternative Energy Sources Generators Windmills Solar

Best Practices cont. Understanding Skill Sets/Policies Communication Your / Crews Contractor / Utility Policies Communication Clear Effective To the point

Utility/Tree Crew Communication

Best Practices Morning Job briefing, rotating the job briefing duties to be inclusive Method of communication: Standardize hand signal review, whistle, terms to use, 3 way communication Work Zone Set-Up: drop zones coned off, designated entry point (ground man) New Employee Identification:  different color hard hat or sticker Trust but Verify someone can perform the task  or  the work prescription for the address Technology: Texting, translator app for written print, email tickets, pictures of work site

Lessons Learned Address ALL crew members, respect for all Focus on production over safety You have to power to shut down the work site Line equipment inspections, report to the Utility

Driver Attention/Vehicle Incidents

Driving Safety

Distractions Assigning the phone to a non driver or co-pilot. Assign a list of specific duties to the passenger. Being conscience of when non crew members are calling a driver. Communicate when the best time to call is. Locking up the phone so it is inaccessible. Keeping the cab clear of clutter. (Housekeeping) Pre-Planning the route driven and using a “trip pre-job”.

Inexperienced Drivers Specific, proactive, narrowly focused, training. Ride-A-Longs by management or training personnel Periodic, structured , reevaluations Written and field testing to evaluate drivers.

Spotter Use Specific, structured training that focuses on standardized procedures. Designated spotter mirror. Communicate a plan, don’t presume.

External Contributing Factors Weather Wildlife Road Conditions Other drivers/traffic

Weather Making a determination if its safe to work prior to start of work. Utilizing the proper equipment (chains). Pre-Flight the route to access risk.

Road Conditions Site specific assessments and implementation of traffic control measures. Leave yourself an out, plan alternate routes that me be safer. Implementation of pre-flight concerns into the crew work plan. Pre Drive Pre Job.

Other Drivers/Traffic Learn to identify the signs of other drivers operating distracted. (texting) Limiting driving time exposer by moving the park site closer. Crash Trucks for flagging operations. Plan an out and designate an observer to monitor flagging set ups.

Upcoming Events Trees and Utilities Conference Sept 26-28, 2017 Kansas City, Missouri Minnesota Safety Summit Oct 26-27, 2017 Register at www.gotouaa.org Webinars for continuing education,