Aim

• To raise the standards of training and competence within the ‘tree work’ industry by improving clients (i.e. persons employing arborists or engaging/supervising tree work):
• understanding of the legal framework within which arboricultural contractors work;
• recognition of industry good practice;
• understanding of the principles of risk assessment systems employed in arboriculture; and
• selection of appropriate contractors and their ability to monitor and review them

Justification

Arboriculture continues to be high risk work and although it only employs a relatively small number of people, it has accident rates that are in excess of those of the construction industry.

Clients have been selected as a discrete audience because they are in an ideal position to improve standards of contractor performance by setting standards and monitoring the quality of the work carried out.  There is evidence that many LAs are poor at checking and ensuring the competence of their contractors and are still primarily influenced by cost. 

LAs are under pressure to deliver services at least cost, with less staff.  Consequently, expertise in arboriculture in most LAs is now minimal or non-existent, particularly at managerial level, and tree care is often being contracted out to service companies.  LAs also maintain lists of contractors and are vital to improving awareness of the public and other potential clients (ie householders and businesses) about the value of using competent (approved) contractors.

There is a continuing demand from stakeholders within the industry and from clients to run further events.

Audience / Industry

These events are aimed at persons employing arborists or managing/supervising tree work, particularly in local authorities (LAs) but also government departments, public bodies and other organisations responsible for maintaining parks and estates, highways maintenance and other clients involved in land clearance for roads and building sites, etc.

Attendees at previous SHADs have mostly come from Local Authorities but other key organisations which have been invited and have attended include: housing associations, construction companies, NHS Trusts, Network Rail, landscapers, Highways Agency, Environment Agency, utility companies, universities, colleges and schools, the National Trust, National Parks, British Waterways Board, Forestry Commission and land agents.

Messages

The key messages delivered to clients/managers at these SHADs are:

• The legal framework within which arborists work and the client’s responsibilities under the regulations;
• How to identify trained and competent arboricultural contractors;
• What to look for during a site visit.

Activities required

Arboriculture SHADs are organised and run jointly by HSE (Ag & Food Sector), the Arboricultural Association and Treevolution (an arboriculture training provider).  They include a demonstration of chainsaw PPE, climbing equipment and tree climbing.  The Sector has identified areas which have not previously been covered, and together with our delivery partners identify suitable venues.

Four ‘Engaging Arboricultural Client’ SHADs are planned for 2009/10.  Proposed locations are Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester, and other venues in South Wales, London and the North West, still to be confirmed. These areas have been chosen because either they have not been previously covered by a SHAD or it is some time since an event was held and a number of previous attendees are likely to have changed jobs. 

FOD support would be welcomed by the sector, eg to help identify the target audience and raise awareness of events locally, as well as to assist at SHADs. (nb This is also a useful training opportunity.)  Any follow up visits would be helpful to gauge their impact.

As the target audience for these events are clients and managers rather than contractors themselves, follow-up visits could be carried out effectively as part of wider(management) audits of LAs or other large clients (eg as listed above) to help gauge their impact on overall contractor engagement policy and management. nb.  If construction companies or;Network Rail are involved, Construction Division or ORR should be consulted.

Site inspections or discussions with managers and/or sub-contractors, eg during investigation of accidents or complaints, would also be useful to reinforce the messages. A useful checklist of questions for clients to ask contractors has been produced by the Sector which provide a useful question set for discussion with clients (see link below).

Timing

The exact dates (and locations) of the SHADs have still to be confirmed.

Further information and contact

Further information is available from Frances Hirst, Ag and Food Sector, Northampton, Tel: 01604 738314, email: frances.hirst@hse.gsi.gov.uk

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