Avoid a “Brush” with Danger
As a Natural Resource Manager at McHenry County Conservation District, Brad Woodson is responsible for the management and restoration of the natural features and habitat. “At certain times, we have to clear invasive trees and brush. Other times, a restoration ecologist conducts prescribed burns and biological inventories, sprays noxious weeds or works on natural habitat restoration projects,” he explains.
No matter what activity is underway, safety training is a constant. “Our efforts require staff to use skid-loader-type machines, tractors, chainsaws and brush saws that come with risks we need to manage,” Woodson says. While the district had training programs in place — such as annual chainsaw training for staff — before becoming a PDRMA member, PDRMA helped McHenry take things to the next level.
“Jackie Pierce (PDRMA Risk Management Consultant) has been very helpful in organizing and formalizing our safety training and helping us establish procedures and training standards for all our potentially hazardous work activities,” he says. “It took some time but has proven to be very helpful.”
The district makes it a daily practice to follow PIPP (PDRMA Injury Prevention Program) guidelines in job tasks, and Woodson notes that staff is committed to observing each other regarding safety and sound work practices. “We hire many part-time summer staffers, and since they are inexperienced, our full-time staff makes it a point to observe them as they work and talk to them about injury prevention. Most days begin with a brief meeting to review those topics once everyone arrives — and before job tasks begin.”
PIPP guidelines in clearing brush are standard operating procedure at the conservation district. “First and foremost is understanding the dangers when using a chainsaw,” Woodson stresses. “Not only the dangers from the saw, but also the tree as it is being cut. Another key is proper handling and fit of the chainsaw, and using the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).” Equally important is using proper body mechanics when handling cut trees and brush to avoid strains and related soft-tissue injuries.
 “Clearing brush is an important part of keeping districts and preserves beautiful and free of hazards,” says Pierce, “but it requires handling hazardous equipment safely, maintaining proper body position and thinking about safety at all times.”
To help train staff and keep them safe, PDRMA worked with safety vendor Tom Grey, president and founder of Grey & Associates, to create a new brush clearing and chipping class. Creating a Safe Worksite for Brush Chipper Operations debuts Oct. 14 at the Fox Valley Park District and Oct. 15 at the Northbrook Park District, each session running from 8 a.m. to noon.
“This course raises awareness of hazards related to chipper operations on the job site and teaches proper safety and ergonomics to prevent back and joint injuries, falls and accidental amputations,” explains Grey. “I stress equipment safety and the inspection process — including PDRMA’s 30 Second Site Safety Walk Through — so staff can ensure the work area and equipment are in sound condition. We also demonstrate proper lifting techniques and discuss the importance of pre-work stretching.”
This new training is essential not only for staff working with brush chippers for the first time but as a refresher for those experienced in handling the equipment. “Both new and experienced workers will take away information to help them make better decisions in a hazardous environment to avoid injuries,” adds Grey.
To register for the class, log in to the PDRMA website, go to the Education & Training menu and click Training Calendar. Go to October and click More Info next to the Oct. 14 or Oct. 15 class and the green Register button.
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