SWA updates guide to manage the risks of tree work

Safe Work Australia has released updated health and safety guidance for tree work; the Guide to managing the risks of tree work updates the previous guide. The most significant changes in the guide relate to duties around managing the risk of falls when accessing trees and when to consider providing an additional backup safety line for single-top access systems.

The guide provides practical information to assist persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to manage work health and safety risks associated with tree trimming and removal work, such as lopping, pruning, wood chipping and stump grinding. The changes ensure consistency across Safe Work Australia’s guidance on managing the risk of falls, and the updated guide name reflects more commonly used industry terminology.

Employers are urged to ensure that they are aware of the changes and that they understand their WHS duties when managing the risks associated with accessing trees. The Guide to managing the risks of tree work can be accessed here.

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