Article provided in collaboration with North American Training Solutions and Arbor Canada Training and Education
We’ve all witnessed it. You can head out to the jobsite under a clear blue sky, and an hour later, the storm clouds are rolling in — sending you and your crew scrambling for cover.
Severe weather can pop up quickly, especially in the hot and humid summer months. If you live in a region that is prone to lightning strikes, tornadoes, hurricanes or extreme temperatures, you should make a severe weather plan and review it during each jobsite safety meeting.
“One of the biggest challenges in tree care is hazard mitigation,” says Tony Tresselt, lead instructor for North American Training Solutions. “A lot of crews spend time planning for the obvious stuff, but the weather can be just as dangerous. Planning for what to do in case of a weather emergency is just as important as planning for any other hazard you may encounter on the job.”
Monitoring weather on the jobsite
Crews should check their local weather forecast before heading out to the jobsite. Knowing that there is a chance for storms to develop will help you be more mindful of changing weather conditions. If you notice clouds starting to roll in, take a quick break and use your smartphone to check the radar.
“In the past, we called back to the office to find somebody with an internet connection and asked them to check the weather for us,” says Tresselt. “Today, the easiest way to get weather information on the jobsite is simply to make sure you have a smartphone and a good weather app.”
If you frequently work in areas with spotty cellphone service, consider purchasing a weather radio, which will alert you if severe weather watches or warnings are issued in the area.
Weather delays
If it starts to rain, the crew foreman should make the decision whether to continue working or take a break until the storm passes.
“I always tell the crew foremen to use their best judgment to keep the crew safe,” says Tresselt. “In most cases, small ground work or cleanup tasks can be done. When the rain starts to impair your vision through safety glasses, it is time to call it quits.”
If you see lightning or hear thunder, you should stop working immediately and take shelter until the skies clear.
“Working under, in or around trees or tall structures in lightning, high winds, heavy rain or hail is very dangerous and is not recommended,” says Tresselt. “For that matter, anytime visibility decreases — whether it’s due to fog or heavy rains — and you can’t see the crew members in the trees, it’s time to stop working.”
While safety is always the top priority, productivity and efficiency come into play here too.
“Jobs are bid under ideal conditions,” explains Tresselt. “If the weather starts to make the crew less efficient, it’s time to take a break — and in some cases — to call it a day.”
Extreme temperatures
In some regions, there will be times during the summer and winter months that the greatest danger stems from the thermometer — instead of the clouds. Working outside in extremely hot or cold conditions poses a very real threat to crew safety.
“During the jobsite safety briefing, the crew foreman should remind everyone to take additional measures to protect themselves,” says Tresselt. “In hot, humid conditions, you need to drink a lot of water and watch out for your fellow crew members. You may be the last person to realize that you’re dehydrating. Heat injuries are very serious and can escalate quickly so it is important that your crew takes measures to address it — just like any other jobsite injury.”
While the definition of “extreme cold” may vary by region, it is important to limit your exposure to the elements.
“Wind tends to be the inhibiting factor in the wintertime because of the wind chill factors. You can only wear so many clothes in a tree and still be able to move around,” says Tresselt. “It is important for crews to have warm-up areas, like a running truck, to get a break from the cold.”
Severe weather planning
Every tree care crew should have a safety plan and review it before they start working on any jobsite. The plan should outline what actions the crew should take in the event of a severe weather emergency.
Here are some severe weather safety protocols that your plan should address:
- Who is the onsite decision maker? The crew foreman should be responsible for monitoring the weather conditions and making the call whether to continue working, take a break until the storm passes or stop for the day.
- What do we do if we spot lightning or hear thunder? Stop working at the first sign of lightning or thunder. Don’t resume working until at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or clap of thunder. “If you’re getting accurate weather information, and you can tell by the radar that it’s just going to keep storming, call it a day,” says Tresselt. “Especially from an efficiency standpoint.”
- Where should we take shelter? You can wait out a lightning storm in your truck. If you live in a region that is prone to tornadoes, you need to identify a low-lying area or permanent structure where you can seek shelter nearby. If the customer is home during the storm, you may be able to take cover in their home.
- What should we do about our gear? If the local weather forecasters are predicting a chance of storms, pull out only the gear that you need, and leave the rest stowed in the truck. If the gear gets wet, be sure to dry it out when you get back to the shop.
- What should I say to the client? If there is a chance of thunderstorms, tell the client that your crew will work as long as you can be safe and efficient. If the weather conditions prevent you from finishing the job on schedule, communicate that to the client and schedule a time to complete the work later the same week.
For more jobsite safety and training tips, visit the North American Training Solutions website.
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