The April 24th, 2009 "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report" which was published by the CDC, highlights the inherent dangers of tree work. More and more tree workers and homeowners are being severely injured and some fatalities have occurred as well. Obviously highlighted in the report is how little training tree workers are receiving. Tree companies must do more to cut down on injuries through proper training, and proper equipment usage.
Another real concern is the DIY homeowner who tries to go beyond his limitations and does not appreciate the dangers that exist. Homeowners have been injured falling off ladders and tree stands trying to reach to high and have slipped and fallen out of trees. Some homeowners and professionals have slipped onto live wires and killed themselves. Not good news to read about.
So if one could reach the branches and limbs that are out of reach, up to 30 feet or more without the use of ladders, stands and climbing, would the tree work companies and homeowners embrace the idea? And most users of manual pole saws at 20-35' height are usually right under the branch being cut, and this has resulted in numerous and serious head injuries. Tree workers and homeowners would be removed from most dangers if they did not have to climb up on ladders or into the tree to get to those higher branches. And does having the running chainsaw so close to the body and risking kick-back injuries make any sense? The type and frequency of injuries that can easily be avoided probably runs in the thousands every year.
There is a better way to get the job done safely. There is an extended reach electric pole saw system that allows the operator to reach 30' or more utilizing stack-able interlocking 6 foot aluminum poles so the operators feet remain on the ground. No Ladders, No Stands and best of all, No Climbing!
Will tree work companies continue to insist the only way to do it is by climbing? Will homeowners still opt to use ladders or stands after presentation of this information? Sad to say but one trip to the hospital, or potentially being maimed for life is now a choice, and injuries need not be.
Stay Safe!
- ChainsawGuy
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