Safety Tailgate: The Rise and Fall of Split Stack Lumber Jacks

A Cautionary Tale of Safety in Arboriculture

Este es nuestro intento de convertir las historias en audio español usando Inteligencia Artificial. Aún así le recomendamos que reconfirme ciertas palabras clave y temas. ArborTIMES no garantiza ni se responsabiliza de la conversión del inglés al español de los relatos.

In a remote forest, far from bustling cities, a man with a truck and a chainsaw cut downed trees to heat his cabin. He would spend long days cutting logs, loading them into his truck, and driving his sore body home.

The next day, he would unload the rounds, split the wood, stack it, and rest before repeating the process all over again. This became his routine through the summer and fall as he gathered enough wood for winter.

One day, something shifted. Neighbors and friends started reaching out for extra firewood. Soon, this hobby turned into a side business.

He began selling his firewood for some extra cash, and before long, his small venture had a name: Split Stack Lumber Jack.

As the business grew, so did the demand. The man recruited a buddy to help fill the truck for deliveries. However, there was one problem: there was no personal protective equipment (PPE) to be found on the job.

Starting to sound familiar?

Toward the end of one long workday, the buddy got a call. Distracted, he hurriedly chucked a log into the truck, only to watch it smash through the back window.

After an expensive repair, the man decided to start paying his buddy in the hopes that more care would be taken.

What began as a one-man operation grew into a two-man team, and the business became Split Stack Lumber Jacks. The duo upgraded their truck, bought an enclosed trailer — but still neglected PPE.

The Moral of the Story

The tale of Split Stack Lumber Jacks echoes the stories of many informal tree care businesses.

As tree care professionals, we understand that arboriculture is both an art and a science, practiced by skilled workers. Yet in some places, untrained workers with a truck and chainsaw are labeled as “arborists.”

But when it comes to safety, it’s a different story.

The Power of a Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) oversees safety regulations across industries, arboriculture is lumped into the “Big 10” – one of the top 10 most dangerous professions in the U.S.

As such, OSHA and arboriculture-specific safety standards are critical for protecting workers in this field.

One of the key safety practices outlined in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) ANSI Z133 is the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) — also known as a job briefing or tailboard meeting. Before starting any tree care operation, a JSA shall be conducted.

The lead arborist briefs the crew on potential hazards, site conditions, and specific tasks. If you’re working solo, you’re still expected to follow the same precautions as if you had a team with you.

A JSA serves the same purpose as wedding vows — it ensures that everyone involved is on the same page. Once signed, it becomes a legal document that can protect both the workers and the company in case of an accident. It’s a “shall” in the ANSI Z133 regulations, meaning it’s not optional.

In industries like utility line clearance, JSAs are revisited after every break or when there’s a change in the scope of work. Crew leaders mentor team members to lead briefings, ensuring everyone understands the risks and hazards on the job site.

When a new person enters the site — whether it’s a supervisor, roadside flagger, or crew member — they must review and sign the JSA.

Safety in arboriculture is more than just a checklist; it is the foundation of every operation. Overlooking safety can have immediate and long-term consequences that impact not only the individuals on the job but also the company as a whole.

The nature of arboriculture inherently exposes workers to numerous hazards, including the risks of falls, equipment malfunction, and unpredictable environmental conditions. By taking shortcuts or neglecting safety protocols, the chances of accidents increase dramatically.

More Than One Type of Hurt

When safety is ignored, it is not just personal injury that is at stake. Financial and legal repercussions often follow.

An accident that could have been prevented with a simple safety measure may lead to workers’ compensation claims, lawsuits, and costly fines from regulatory bodies like OSHA.

Furthermore, insurance companies that observe high rates of accidents within a company may increase premiums, further straining the business.

The importance of documentation, like a JSA, becomes crucial in these situations. If an accident occurs, having thorough records can protect the company from liability.

However, if safety measures are neglected and there is no documented proof of precautions, companies find themselves in a vulnerable legal position. In court, verbal assurances of safety measures hold little weight.

Without proper documentation, it is difficult to prove that the company acted responsibly.

The Most Valuable Consideration

In addition to legal and financial consequences, there is the human cost. Injuries that result from avoidable accidents can have lifelong impacts.

For the injured, it could mean a permanent loss of income or physical ability. For the team, it means losing a valued member, possibly witnessing trauma, and experiencing the emotional toll of an accident.

Over time, a disregard for safety erodes team morale. If workers feel that safety is not prioritized, they may lose trust in their employer and become disengaged. This can lead to higher turnover rates and difficulty retaining skilled workers.

Companies that foster a strong safety culture, on the other hand, not only protect their workers but also enhance productivity and job satisfaction.

In arboriculture, where the stakes are already high, safety should never be treated as an afterthought.

By taking the necessary steps to ensure a safe working environment — through JSAs, proper PPE, and adherence to safety standards — companies protect their employees, business, and reputation.

Lessons from Split Stack Lumber Jacks

If Split Stack Lumber Jacks had adhered to proper safety procedures, such as completing Job Safety Analyses, they might have avoided costly mistakes and potentially avoided significant setbacks.

The business might have lasted longer and even expanded, providing more reliable services.

However, as is often the case with untrained and unregulated operations, neglecting safety measures led to avoidable accidents and financial losses.

In arboriculture, safety is not optional —it is essential. Beginning each workday with a JSA sets a crucial foundation for a safer and more productive environment. It ensures that every team member is aware of potential hazards and understands their role in mitigating risks.

Given that arborists spend considerable time with their work teams, creating a safety-conscious culture is vital. This culture not only safeguards the crew but also helps ensure that everyone returns home safely at the end of the day.

For both professional and recreational tree climbers, prioritizing safety is fundamental. Completing a JSA, discussing job site risks, and consistently maintaining safety standards are key to a successful and secure day of work.

By embedding these practices into daily routines, arborists and tree care professionals can protect themselves, their colleagues, and their business.