Jobsite Safety & Stop-Work Authority
This training outlines the principles, responsibilities, and culture of safety for all ground crew members at Abundant Life Land & Tree.
This written curriculum must be understood independently of videos or external resources.
1. Purpose
Tree work is inherently hazardous. Most injuries happen on the ground due to poor awareness or miscommunication. This page defines how to operate safely, when to intervene, and how to prevent accidents before they happen.
Safety is about respect for people, tools, and the environment—not fear.
2. Situational Awareness
Ground crew must always know:
- Where the climber is
- Where the saw is
- Where ropes are
- Where cut or falling wood will land
If you cannot answer all four, pause and regain awareness before continuing.
3. Drop Zones
A drop zone is any area where wood, tools, or debris may fall.
- Never enter a drop zone unless explicitly told it is safe
- Keep bystanders and homeowners out of drop zones
- Never turn your back to overhead work
- Be aware that wood can bounce, roll, swing, or break unexpectedly
4. Hazard Recognition
Ground hazards include, but are not limited to:
- Loose limbs, debris, or unstable trees
- Overhead branches
- Uneven or slippery terrain
- Equipment left in walkways
- Unsecured ropes or lines
Actions when hazards are noticed:
- Stop work if necessary
- Alert the crew
- Correct the hazard if possible
- Resume work only when safe
Being proactive prevents most ground accidents.
5. Stop-Work Authority
Every crew member may stop work if:
- Unsafe operator behavior is observed
- Work environment is unsafe
- Communication is unclear or missing
- PPE is missing or improper
- Fatigue, distraction, or mental lapse occurs
Stopping work is professional. No one is punished for prioritizing safety. Safety is the highest priority.
6. Near-Miss and Incident Reporting
All near-misses, hazards, or injuries must be reported immediately:
- Ensure everyone is safe
- Notify the supervisor or lead
- Document the event clearly (what, where, when, who)
- Take corrective action to prevent recurrence
Reporting is a mark of professionalism, not weakness.
7. Communication Standards on the Ground
Clear, direct communication prevents accidents:
- Use short, precise commands
- Avoid jokes or sarcasm while work is active
- Repeat or confirm commands if unclear
- Establish call-and-response when necessary
- Communicate all hazards immediately
Common commands:
- Stand clear – Move away immediately
- All clear – Area is safe
- Rope free – Rope is no longer attached
- Tension – Apply controlled tension
- Lowering – Load is coming down
If you do not understand a command, say "Repeat".
8. Professional Ground Conduct
- Stay focused and alert
- Keep tools and site tidy
- Follow PPE requirements
- Ask questions early
- Accept instruction calmly
Professionalism is safety. Disorderly behavior increases hazard exposure.
9. First-Day and Ongoing Expectations
- Identify drop zones and hazards
- Know when and how to stop work
- Follow communication protocols
- Understand PPE expectations
- Report hazards and near-misses correctly
10. Closing Statement
Your safety and the safety of your crew is everyone’s responsibility. Maintain situational awareness, never assume an area is safe, stop work if in doubt, and communicate clearly. Respect for your environment, tools, and crew is the key to safe tree work.