Chainsaws, are you workers safe?

Tree work can be a high-risk activity. Effective training is an essential requirement for ensuring this work is carried out both safely and efficiently.

All workers must be adequately trained and competent to carry out their job safely. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places general duties on employers and the self-employed to provide Health and Safety training and information.

The Approved Code of Practice, Safe Use of Work Equipment, supporting regulation 9 of The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98) sets a minimum standard of competence for people using chainsaws in tree work, stating that all workers should have received appropriate training and obtained a relevant certificate of competence or national competence award.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Act 1999 requires employers to provide Health and Safety Training for workers when:-

• They first start work, ie induction training
• They are exposed to new or increased risks
• They require refresher training – this is recommended at specific intervals for certain high-risk activities
• A specific weakness is identified in an operators ability

Workers new to a task should receive adequate information and training to do their work safely and effectively. Dependant on the nature of the work, the training may vary from simple instruction through to nationally recognised courses providing comprehensive basic training.

For more specific advice or training requirements, please contact via the website