Tree planters and other forestry workers perform physically demanding work. Some of their main duties are to:
- duty Clear brush.
- duty Climb over stumps, slash, and other obstacles.
- duty Carry and plant trees using manual tools.
- duty Feed machines manually.
- duty Prepare a site for planting.
- duty Use proper techniques for handling seedlings
- duty Use, clean, and maintain various equipment.
- duty Work with chemicals for plant growth, or for weed and pest control.
- duty Supervise other workers.
Tree planters face a variety of physical, biological, chemical, ergonomic and safety hazards. These include:
- biological Insect bites or stings.
- biological West Nile virus (mosquitoes).
- general Lyme disease or rocky mountain spotted fever.
- general Rabies.
- general Allergic reaction to plants.
- general Histoplasmosis
- general Psittacosis
- biological Hantavirus
- general Exposure to bird or rodent droppings:
- chemical Exposure to chemicals, including pesticides.
- ergonomic Risk of pain or injury from working in awkward positions, performing repetitive tasks or lifting.
- ergonomic Risk of tendonitis from repetitive work.
- general Risk of injury from hitting a hidden rock with a shovel.
- physical Exposure to extreme temperatures or other extreme weather conditions (including lightning).
- physical UV radiation (risk of skin cancer from sunlight).
- safety Driving - vehicle safety hazards.
- safety Slips, trips and falls.
- safety Work near live electrical lines and equipment.
- safety Flammable products (e.g., fuel for the power equipment).
- general Working with chainsaws and other tools/equipment.
- psychosocial Stress.
- psychosocial Working alone.
- general Extended work days.
- physical Working in extreme hot and cold environments.
- administrative Learn safe lifting procedures.
- requirement Select appropriate tools for the task.
- requirement Keep tools and equipment in good working order.
- ppe Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the task.
- ppe Wear appropriate footwear.
- requirement Wear clothing appropriate to the hot and cold weather.
- requirement Avoid awkward postures and repetitive manual tasks, or take frequent breaks.
- requirement In the warmer months, cover up for protection from sun, heat and insects.
- requirement Stay hydrated.
- requirement In vehicles, always wear a seatbelt.
- requirement Use insect repellents containing DEET or Icaridin to repel ticks and other insects such as mosquitos, horseflies, black flies, or gnats.
- requirement Carry a first aid kit, as well as an epi-pen if you are allergic to bees, wasps, and hornet stings or have other allergies.
- requirement Safe lifting
- ppe Selection, use, maintenance and storage of PPE
- requirement Working with pesticides and other substances
- requirement Using chainsaws, shovels and other tools or equipment
- requirement Working alone
- administrative Driving – vehicle inspection and distracted driving
- requirement Emergency preparedness
- administrative Use safety procedures for:
- requirement Follow company safety rules.
- requirement Learn about chemical safety, WHMIS and SDSs.
- administrative Know how to report a hazard.
- administrative Follow good housekeeping procedures.