29.01.2012

Loader crane pruning

A reader in the UK spotted a team of arborists trimming trees from a suspended platform and loader crane.

The scene is probably best explained in our correspondent’s own words:
“After returning from servicing a machine in Birmingham UK I came across this Death Wish. I was so shocked at the lack of safety measures that I turned around for another look. Tree Surgeons at their best, Bless Them. No chain saw protection equipment - leggings, helmet, visor, gloves, harness and lanyard etc...”
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This scene brought a Vertikal Reader to a stop

“Worst still they were working from a homemade basket out of an old PCB cage hanging from the crane.”

“The crane itself was set up half on the grass and half on the pavement with no outrigger pads. No traffic or pedestrian management No warning signs or PPE for the man on the ground”

“The list goes on and on, definitely a Death Wish.”
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The man is working from a home made suspended platform and apart from a Hi-Viz coat has little to no protection

We agree completely, although sadly the photos are not as clear as they might be. Why is it that such people will so often refuse to use powered access, preferring to climb the trees, then when they do succumb, the go with a make do like this? It’s hardly likely to be the cheapest method and it most certainly isn’t the safest.