Pruning Safety Tips

by James Carrabba (published 3/7/2005 in Country Folks Grower)

At this time of year, many producers are in the midst of pruning. Pruning in an orchard can present many hazards such as falls, cuts, and eye injuries. With that in mind, lets take some time to consider how to accomplish this task safely. One of the first things you can do is to inspect your pruning tools before using them. Any tools that appear damaged or have broken handles should be repaired or replaced. Remember that a sharp tool is a safer tool. Take the time to sharpen your cutting tools before you use them and periodically as you use them. Sharp cutting tools will require less force to operate, making your job easier. Carry and store tools properly. Never carry tools in your pockets. They could easily injure you if you fell. Carry shears or sharp pointed tools with the point down while walking or standing. Use the proper sized tools and only as they were intended to be used. Make sure folding saws are locked tight. Always be aware of where your other hand is when holding a branch or stem and cutting with the other hand. Always wear gloves when pruning. Gloves will protect your hands from cuts and scrapes. Gloves will also give you a better grip on tools.

If using a chainsaw, wear the proper protective equipment. This would include heavy-duty gloves, head, eye, hearing protection, and chain saw chaps to protect your legs. Keep a firm grip on the saw. Keep the chainsaw below shoulder height and don’t overreach. While cutting, keep an eye on the tip of the guide bar and make sure it does not contact another object. Consider wearing safety-toed or composite shoes if there is a danger of heavy objects falling. Sturdy work boots with a good tread will help to prevent falls on slippery ground. When working in cold weather, dress in layers to help regulate your body temperature. Take short breaks to rest and warm up. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. Approved eye protection will have the Z87.1 logo on them. Your eyes may be at risk from pointed branches and twigs and also from debris or particles lodging in the eye. Regular eyeglasses or sunglasses won’t provide the same protection.

It is best to use tripod ladders when working in orchards. Tripod ladders are designed for use on soft uneven ground found in orchards. Inspect the ladder before using it. Do not use ladders that have any broken or missing parts. Check wooden ladders carefully for splits, cracks, loose parts, broken rungs or rot. Check aluminum or steel ladders for loose joints, bolts, faulty welds and cracks. Before climbing the ladder, set all three legs. Always climb up and down the ladder facing the rungs. Never carry tools when ascending or descending. Wear a leather holster or pouch to hold small hand tools or raise them or lower them with a bucket or rope. Do not work or stand on the top two rungs. Stay centered on the ladder. Don’t reach too far to the side when on the ladder.

We at NYCAMH hope your pruning work goes productively and safely. Please note that this year NYCAMH is offering on-farm safety surveys and on-farm worker safety trainings at no cost to the farm. Our areas of focus include Mechanical, Farmstead and Personal Protection safety. We offer bilingual trainings and materials. If you would like more information on pruning safety or any other agricultural safety and health issue, please contact me at 800-343-7527, ext 239 or e-mail me at jcarrabba@nycamh.com.