Do you run an arboricultural business?
In search of a health and safety risk assessment tailored to your activity?
Do you need a pre-filled assessment to save you hours of work?
Want to be in compliance with safety regulations?
 
Our Health and Safety Risk Assessment is designed to meet your needs with:
→ A professional risk assessment totally specific to arboriculturists.
→ A professional risk assessment specific to arboriculture.
→ Risk prevention proposals dedicated to arboriculturists.
→ The integration of risks linked to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
 
All this in an easily editable Excel format, allowing you to make personalized updates on your own.
 
FEATURES OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT 
 
This 5-page Excel file includes:
A Cover Page
A Company Information page
A presentation of the Risk Assessment Methodology used.
An occupational risks assessment tailored to your sector of activity.
A risk prevention schedule with all the different safety measures.

It contains 24 occupational risk situations classified into 3 work units:
Planting, maintenance and harvesting
Use of machinery
Working environment
 
☑ Complies with the employer's obligation to assess risks
(Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation 1999)
☑ Adheres to the General Principles of Prevention
(Schedule 1 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation 1999)
☑ Takes into account good practice and pitfalls in risk assessment
(Report RR151 from the Health and Safety Executive)
 
EXCERPTS FROM THE HEALTH AND SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT:
 
The danger of awkward postures - crouching, kneeling, bending over: This is a necessity of the job: arborists have to prepare the soil and maintain the trees. To do this, they sometimes have to crouch, kneel or lean forward. The risk is linked to the tasks involved, such as pruning, planting, preparing the soil for cultivation, and so on. This risk is present all year round, and even more so when working in cold, damp or hot environments. Possible injuries include joint pain (knees), circulatory problems, back pain and muscle aches. Whenever possible, adapt your working position to avoid having to contort your body.
 
Danger from repetitive and prolonged movements: joint constraints: In their profession, arboriculturists have to perform numerous repetitive movements over long hours. (e.g. pruning with pruning shears). The risk is linked to the tasks involved, such as pruning, planting, preparing the soil for cultivation, and so on. This risk is present all year round, and even more so when working in cold, damp or hot environments. Possible damage includes joint pain in the upper limbs (hands and handles), circulatory problems, muscular pain and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD). To reduce repetitive movements, it is recommended that as many tasks as possible be carried out using electric or thermal tools, rather than hand tools. Try to diversify arborists' tasks wherever possible.
 
Handling hazards: Arborists may have to handle heavy and/or bulky loads over fairly long distances: bags of potting soil and fertilizer, full crates and boxes, stakes, etc. The risk is present all year round, and depends in particular on the type of work involved. Possible injuries include back problems and musculotendinous disorders. If there are many items to carry, or if the weight is heavy, use handling equipment if the location allows (e.g. hand truck). Reminder of essential handling rules for employees: Always reach for loads on the ground, bending your knees and keeping your back straight. Heavy loads should be carried at abdomen height.
 
The danger of cuts caused by cutting machines and tools: arboriculturists use many cutting machines, such as chainsaws and pruners. These machines are particularly sharp, and pose significant health risks. The risk is mainly present during use, but also when cleaning and maintaining this equipment. Possible injuries include cuts, which can lead to wounds that can become infected, as well as haemorrhaging, amputations and even death.
 
The danger of collisions and entanglements caused by machines equipped with moving rotating parts: Arborists use machines equipped with moving rotating parts that are liable to collide with them (e.g. brush cutters, centrifugal distributors, spreaders, augers, chippers, etc.). The risk arises when operating machines with rotating parts, as well as during cleaning and maintenance. Possible injuries include bruises, fractures and cuts, which can lead to wounds that can become infected, as well as haemorrhaging, crushing and even amputation.
 
 
A GUARANTEE OF THE QUALITY OF OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT 
_ We're registered as Professional Risk Prevention Consultants.
_ Our team comprises graduate safety engineers.
_ Our documents are routinely checked by safety inspectors.
_ We frequently update our Occupational Risk Assessments.
 
RESOURCES 
_ "Safe tree work and arbor guide" by Pro Choice Safety Gear.