Tree Planting Safety Risk Assessment

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers all activities related to tree planting, including site preparation, digging, planting, and initial maintenance. It excludes long-term maintenance activities after the initial planting phase.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment uses a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings. The hierarchy of controls (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administrative, and PPE) is applied to mitigate identified hazards.

3. Risk Matrix Reference

The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:

		Likelihood
Rare	Unlikely	Possible	Likely	Almost Certain
Severity	Catastrophic	Low	Low	Medium	Medium	High
Major	Low	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme
Moderate	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme
Minor	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme
Negligible	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Striking underground utilities (gas, electric, water) during digging.

Potential Consequences: Electrocution, explosion, gas leak, flooding, service disruption.

Affected Persons: Workers, public

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Eliminate manual digging by using mechanical augers where feasible.
• Implement a 'Dial Before You Dig' process to identify underground utilities.
• Clearly mark digging areas and use spotters to avoid utility strikes.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

2. Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) from lifting and carrying heavy trees.

Potential Consequences: Back injuries, sprains, strains, hernias.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	High

Control Measures

• Use proper lifting techniques and equipment (e.g., hand trucks, dollies) to move trees.
• Provide training on safe lifting and carrying procedures.
• Implement a buddy system for lifting heavy trees.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Minor	Medium

3. Cuts and punctures from sharp tools (shovels, spades, saws) and thorny plants.

Potential Consequences: Lacerations, punctures, infections.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Minor	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure workers wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, eye protection, and sturdy footwear.
• Provide training on the hazards of sharp tools and plants.
• Use tool sheaths and carry tools safely.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Negligible	Low

4. Heat stress and heatstroke from working in hot weather.

Potential Consequences: Dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, death.

Affected Persons: Workers, public

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Provide shade structures and encourage frequent breaks in hot weather.
• Ensure workers have access to plenty of water and electrolyte drinks.
• Train workers to recognize the symptoms of heat stress and heatstroke.
• Schedule tree planting activities during cooler parts of the day when possible.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

5. Slips, trips, and falls on uneven terrain or due to obstacles.

Potential Consequences: Sprains, fractures, bruises.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Minor	Medium

Control Measures

• Conduct a site assessment to identify slip, trip, and fall hazards.
• Ensure work areas are clear of debris and obstructions.
• Provide training on safe walking and working procedures.
• Use high-visibility clothing.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Minor	Low

6. Machine related injuries

Potential Consequences: Lacerations, fractures, bruises. [1] [1] [1]

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Always wear seat belt while operating the machine to reduce the risk of personal injury.
• ALWAYS use a safety support or brace when working on, under, or around the machine or forks.
• REPLACE all shields and guards after servicing.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

5. General Control Measures

• Conduct daily pre-start equipment checks to ensure all tools and equipment are in safe working condition.
• Ensure all workers have access to first aid supplies and are trained in basic first aid.
• Implement a clear communication system (e.g., hand signals, radios) for coordinating tasks and alerting workers to hazards.
• Provide regular safety briefings to discuss potential hazards and reinforce safe work practices.
• Ensure all workers are aware of emergency procedures and evacuation routes.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• Establish an emergency communication plan, including contact information for emergency services and key personnel.
• Keep a fully stocked first aid kit on site, including supplies for treating cuts, punctures, sprains, and heat-related illnesses.
• Develop a procedure for responding to underground utility strikes, including evacuation, notification of utility companies, and first aid.
• Establish an evacuation plan in case of severe weather (e.g., lightning, high winds).

7. Training Requirements

• Heat Stress Awareness: Training on recognizing and preventing heat stress, including hydration strategies and acclimatization.
• Safe Lifting Techniques: Proper techniques for lifting and carrying heavy objects to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
• Excavation Safety: Safe digging practices, including 'Dial Before You Dig' procedures and hazard identification.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Correct use of PPE, including gloves, eye protection, and high-visibility clothing.

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, or after any incident

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Weekly	Site Supervisor	Regular inspections of work areas to identify and correct slip, trip, and fall hazards.
Performance Indicator	Daily	Site Supervisor	Monitoring of weather conditions and implementation of heat stress prevention measures.
Audit	Monthly	Safety Officer	Review of incident reports to identify trends and implement corrective actions.

9. Special Circumstances

• Tree planting activities near roadways require additional traffic control measures, such as signage and flaggers.
• Night work increases the risk of slips, trips, and falls due to reduced visibility; adequate lighting must be provided.
• Lone work requires a check-in system and emergency communication plan.

Approval and Sign-off

This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, or after any incident or when significant changes occur.

Safety powered by SALUS