TBI Risks in Tree Trimming
In the tree trimming industry, your workers might often work from heights or use heavy equipment. This puts them at an increased risk of head injuries, including dangerous traumatic brain injuries.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a type of head injury that occurs when someone takes a sudden hit or other impact to the head. TBIs can range from fairly mild to life-threatening, and a serious TBI can lead to issues like memory loss, speech and balance issues, and behavioral changes.
The Causes of TBIs in the Tree Trimming Industry
In the tree trimming industry, there are many TBI risks. Some of the most common risks for workers in the tree trimming industry include:
- Falling objects. In their work, tree trimming workers might encounter falling objects like tree limbs, debris, or dropped equipment. If they are hit on the head by a falling object, it can cause a serious head injury.
- Heights. Tree trimming workers often work from heights, like ladders. If they don’t take the right safety steps or have the right protective equipment, this puts them at a high risk of falls and TBIs.
- Equipment. Tree trimming workers may use risky equipment, including chainsaws and chippers. If improperly used or maintained, equipment and tools like these can contribute to head injuries.
- Struck-by accidents. Similar to the risk of falling objects, workers in the tree trimming industry might suffer from struck-by accidents. For example, a worker could be accidentally struck in the head by another nearby worker.
- Weather risks. Since tree trimming employees work outdoors, weather can add to TBI risks. For instance, rainy conditions could increase the risk of a slip-and-fall, an accident that can result in TBIs and other serious injuries.
How to Prevent TBIs at Your Tree Trimming Business
Since TBIs can have serious and life-long impacts, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your tree trimming workers from head injuries. Around your business, you can do this through steps like:
- Offering safety training
- Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) like hard hats or harnesses
- Regularly inspect all equipment and making any necessary updates or replacements
- Monitoring the weather for any risks and taking any required precautions
At your tree trimming business, it’s also critical to have strong Workers’ Compensation coverage to protect your business and employees at a traumatic brain injury or other serious workplace injury. However, it can be difficult to find and secure the coverage you need, especially if you have challenges like multi-state risks or previous audit issues.
At Work Comp Business Insurance Solutions, we help business owners find the best Workers’ Compensation and payroll solutions.To learn more about our services and how we can help your business, visit us online at https://www.wcbis.com.
