Tree climbing research should help prevent accidents

HSE Press Release: E031:05 - 4 March 2005

Information which should reduce accidents amongst arborists by helping them to select the best rope access or work positioning system for treework has been published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in a research report.

The report is part of a project managed by Lantra Awards, an organisation that develops and runs training courses for the land based sector, and funded by HSE. The project brought together industry representatives to consider the practical options for improving rope access and work positioning systems used in arboriculture and to explore options for using twin systems and secondary anchor points.

Adrian Hodkinson of HSE’s Agriculture and Food Sector said: “The risks associated with arboricultural work are often high. It is important these are sensibly managed and controlled. This work will help climbers, employers and trainers when making decisions about appropriate climbing methods, equipment selection and attachment to the tree. If the recommendations are incorporated into industry guidance and training schemes and adopted by climbers, the project will help prevent accidents and enable climbers to work with more confidence in trees.”

Simon Richmond, Forestry and Arboriculture Manager at Lanta Awards, said: “ Lantra Awards is pleased to have had the opportunity to work with HSE on this project. We have a responsibility to comply with existing and proposed legislation and to improve safe working practices for the industry but it is most important that we do so with a practical and workable approach, recognising what we already do well. I am very grateful for the support of many industry practitioners in the progress of this research, and for the positive and supportive backing from HSE.”

The report, “Determination of rope access and work positioning techniques in arboriculture”, is available on the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/pdf/wahreport.pdf

Notes to editors

1. Lantra Awards is a subsidiary of Lantra, the agricultural sector skills council. Lantra Awards develop and run training courses for the land based sector. Further details are available at: http://www.lantra-awards.co.uk/

2. Representatives from HSE, large and small employers, trade associations and training and assessment organisations took part in the project.

HSE's Research Reports are available on the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/content/crr/index.htm.

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