On May 4, 2017, the Keep the Clearance peer safety committee held its annual safety steward training. The day was filled with safety subjects specific to line clearance tree trimmers, presented by Hispanic Arborists Association Executive Director Jose Mercado. Topics included working around energized lines, working on lines under pressure from fallen trees, tree rescue, the employee’s responsibility for their own safety, and knowing the right way to approach the work.
IBEW 1245 rolled out the new and improved secure safety forum site and the corresponding SMS texting program, designed to foster conversation among the stewards and help them stay informed and up-to-date on safety issues.
The group had an in-depth discussion about “close calls” and why reporting them is vital to our work and the safety of all workers. The staff reviewed how to submit them on the 1245 website, and explained that the information there is reviewed by staff and cleansed for content that could relate back to any company or employee before it is posted on the web.
It was a good turn out with representation from a number of tree companies, including Trees Inc., Wright Tree, Family Tree, Asplundh, Utility Tree, Davey Tree and Mowbrays.
–Casey Kelley, IBEW 1245 Business Rep