This is a very important and serious subject within the industry of Arboriculture and we, as an industry, are always under close surveillance by the HSE. Since our formation in 1997, I have always ensured that all our operations are undertaken as safely as possible and that all relevant safety guidelines are adhered to at all times, without exception.

Ensuring the welfare of all our employees, clients and the general public is of paramount importance to me and to enable us to do this we undertake rigorous internal and external training programmes on a regular basis. Before any work can be started by our operatives, a full risk assessment is undertaken no matter how small the job is, this then ensures that all the necessary steps are taken to ensure a safe working practice is employed and that any persons other that the employees of Myers Tree Care are kept clear of the work site.

All our staff are placed on courses relevant to their role within the company, some of the courses they have attended and gained certification are as follows:-

• Health and Safety Awareness

• NPTC (National Proficiency Test Council) Units, Chainsaw operations and maintenance Aerial Rescue Wood Chipper Operation, Stump Grinder Operation.

• IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) Operation of Truck Mounted and Self Propelled MEWPs (Cherry Pickers)

• ABC Response Training Immediate Response First Aid Training

• Certification for the operation of Mobile Cranes

• Chapter 8 Road Traffic Act, Signing, Lighting and Guarding

• Manual Handling

• LOLER Thorough Inspection of Arboricultural Equipment

• Risk Assessment for Commercial Arboriculture

Arboriculture is subject to many changes at present, particularly with relation to the insurance that we must carry. Due to the present claim culture we now live in, the cost of employer’s liability insurance has increased between 300% - 600%. Currently each employee costs approximately £2,500 to insure. With this in mind the insurance companies, of which, there are only a few in the UK, are requesting that all their clients within the Arboricultural industry are audited by an external examiner to asses their worthiness of being given cover.

As a fully compliant contractor I welcome this form of assessment as it can only improve the old image of the tree work industry and will promote more compliance and thus reduce the accidents within the industry.