What safety precautions are essential for pruning?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Safety considerations prevent serious injuries during the pruning of fruit trees; sharp tools and falling limbs present hazards that require careful protection. I have witnessed accidents caused by the carelessness of fruit tree growers, such as the falling of ladders and kickbacks from chainsaws. Suitable gear and methods will safeguard workers at a distance from the ground and when using powerful machinery.
Personal Protection
- Required gear: Cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles
- Additional: Hard hats for overhead work
- Footwear: Steel-toe boots with slip-resistant soles
- Hearing: Ear protection for power tools
Equipment Safety
- Inspection: Check mechanisms before each use
- Sharpness: Dull tools require more force increasing slip risk
- Storage: Lock cabinets when children present
- Transport: Carry tools blade-down
Height Work
- Alternative: Pole pruners instead of ladders
- Ladder rules: 3-point contact and level footing
- Distance: Stay 10 feet from power lines
- Teamwork: Spotter for unstable positions
Tool Inspection. Malfunctioning tools can cause accidents when misused. Check the spring tension on pruners and the chain lubrication on saws before use. I also tighten loose bolts and immediately replace worn parts. One of my pruning saws lost its blade while in use and cut my glove, but the Kevlar lining in the glove prevented any serious injury. Maintaining tools protects hands.
When working at heights is required caution must be used. Use pole pruners for branches that are above shoulder height. When ladders are needed, I secure them with stabilizers. Never reach sideways more than twelve inches. My spotter watches for shifting ground conditions and falling objects.
Preparedness for emergencies includes having first aid kits that include tourniquets in case of severely cut or wounded individuals. I keep the kits available in my orchard shed and in my truck. Learn how to care for wounds and apply pressure properly. Report near misses to improve the safety program in the future.
Electrical hazards command continuous awareness. Keep at least 10 feet away from electrical lines, especially when handling metal poles. Treat all lines as if they are live. I survey work areas before starting each pruning exercise for overhead hazards, moving about verbally as indicated.
Read the full article: Fruit Tree Pruning Guide: When and How to Prune
