Tree Felling and Tree Removal Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
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What is a Tree Felling and Tree Removal Safe Work Method Statement?
A Tree Felling and Tree Removal Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a specific SWMS document intended for tree felling and tree removal activities. It's a safety management document, legally required in many countries and regions, that helps companies and businesses maintain compliance with strict safety, workplace health, and worker health regulations and standards. It includes the identification of hazards and high risks involved, what control measures to implement, how to protect workers, the public, the environment, and to standardise any safe work procedures in place.
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What is the role of a SWMS in managing tree felling and removal risks?
Tree felling and tree removal are very high risk activities, and companies and workers who conduct these operations need to be constantly prepared for managing and improving safety. One of the most commonly used and trusted documents for tree felling and tree removal is a safe work method statement (SWMS).
A safe work method statement for tree felling and removal doesn't guarantee worker or project safety, but it enables a company to better document and express the inputs associated with performing these works so that the outcomes are better for all.
You would likely need a Tree Felling and Tree Removal Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) if any of the following indicators apply to you:
- If your operations are near power lines, roads, and building. Naturally, you'd need SWMS if you'll be working at heights, but even more if it puts the workers at more risk, because you would be using more heavy machinery. Use a tailored SWMS to express inputs with these additional risks.
- If your compliance certification requires your business to provide documentation of safe work procedures, then you need a proper Tree Felling and Tree Removal Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS).
- If the environment is extremely dangerous for workers, for example unstable ground, strong wings, environmental hazards, or trees are structurally compromised, then you need SWMS for that
- If most importantly, your tree felling and tree removal processes could impact nearby properties, pedestrians, or worst wildlife. You need add-on content for wildlife safety in your SWMS.
What are the required contents of a Tree Felling and Tree Removal Safe Work Method Statement?
The contents of a Tree Felling and Tree Removal Safe Work Method (SWMS) follows regulations and standards, depending on the country or region, and although there isn't a universal structure for it, for as long as they prioritise worker and environment safety, the contents are influenced by workplace safety laws, industry best practices, and specific job requirements, then it's more than good enough.
Regardless of country/region, a Tree Felling and Tree Removal Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) typically has the following contents:
- Important document details like SWMS document number, name of the project, location, etc.
- Description/overview of the tree felling and tree removal tasks, purpose of the activity, types of trees involved
- Hazard/Risk Identification section, which includes working at heights, using heavy machinery, if the workers are working near power lines or structures (if applicable), or any other high-risk activities/environment. This section also includes the risk rating (using the Risk Assessment Matrix) and control measures to be placed.
- Pre-work safety checks, work procedures, PPE requirements, emergency procedures, and most importantly the environmental conditions (to highlight, protective wildlife, preventing soil erosion, and consider the age factor and significance of the trees)
- Roles and responsibilities of workers and professionals involved, including the training and certifications needed, TBTs
Which key persons and experts need a reliable Tree Felling SWMS?
Tree felling and tree removal, due to their high-risk nature, need expertise from many professionals who need to have very specific responsibilities who follow regulatory compliance requirements. There are tree surgeons, ground workers, expert chainsaw operators, for high tree removals there are crane or aerial lift operators, electrical line clearance workers, and whenever necessary environmental consultants who prioritise wildlife, protected species, and ecosystems.
There are regulations and standards that are followed by these experts per countries/regions to structure their Tree Felling and Tree Removal Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) and for them to strictly follow. A few of them are:
- In the US, they follow OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.266 for logging operations safety standards, and ANSI Z133 Safety Standard for Arboricultural Operations
- In the UK, the contents are covered by Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and if there's climbing/elevation activities, then use the Work at Height Regulations, and for tree work recommendations, use the British Standard BS 3998:2010
- In Australia, for general workplace management, they follow Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, for high-risk construction work, it's under the Safe Work Australia guidelines, and for pruning of amenity trees, use AS 4373-2007.
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This Tree Safety form was generated with Dashpivot
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