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A Practical Guide to Writing Risk Assessments for Tree Surgery

 

Writing a clear, thorough risk assessment is a legal requirement and a vital part of keeping tree surgeons safe on the job. Whether you’re an employer, a self-employed arborist, or managing a team, a well-prepared risk assessment identifies hazards, evaluates risks, and outlines control measures to reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored specifically to tree surgery work.

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What Is a Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment is a formal process used to identify potential hazards in the workplace, evaluate the level of risk they pose, and implement control measures to prevent injury or harm.

Under UK law (e.g. the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999), employers and self-employed individuals must carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Risk Assessment for Tree Surgery

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1. Identify the Tasks Being Carried Out

Start by clearly defining the scope of work. Examples include:

  • Tree felling

  • Crown reduction or thinning

  • Stump grinding

  • Climbing and rope work

  • Use of chainsaws, chippers, or MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms)

  • Working near power lines or public highways

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2. Identify Hazards

Think about what could cause harm in the context of each task. Common hazards for tree surgeons include:

  • Falling from height (trees, ladders, MEWPs)

  • Being struck by falling branches or trees

  • Chainsaw and equipment injuries

  • Manual handling injuries

  • Slips, trips, and falls

  • Electrical hazards (e.g. overhead power lines)

  • Traffic hazards (when working near roads)

  • Noise and vibration exposure

  • Adverse weather conditions

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3. Assess the Risks

Ask yourself:

  • Who could be harmed? (e.g. workers, the public, nearby property owners)

  • How likely is it that the hazard will cause harm?

  • How severe would the injury be?

Use a risk matrix to rank risks as Low, Medium, or High based on likelihood and severity.

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4. Decide on Control Measures

Now list how you will reduce or eliminate each risk. Control measures should follow the hierarchy of control:

  1. Eliminate the hazard (e.g. postpone work during high winds)

  2. Substitute with a safer method (e.g. use a MEWP instead of climbing)

  3. Engineer controls (e.g. use guards or stop devices on machinery)

  4. Administrative controls (e.g. training, signage, safe systems of work)

  5. PPE (e.g. helmets, eye protection, chainsaw trousers)

Be specific. For example:

  • “All climbers must use a double-rope system and be secured before operating saws.”

  • “Warning signs and barriers to be placed 10m around work area to protect public.”

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5. Record the Risk Assessment

Use a simple template with the following columns:

TaskHazardWho Might Be HarmedRisk LevelControl MeasuresResidual Risk

Tree fellingTree may fall unpredictablyWorkers, publicHighPre-plan felling direction; exclusion zone setupLow

Climbing treesFall from heightClimberHighUse of ropes, harness, helmet, double-tie systemLow

Chainsaw useLacerationsOperatorMediumChainsaw PPE, certified training, maintenanceLow

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6. Communicate and Implement

  • Make sure all workers read and understand the risk assessment.

  • Conduct a toolbox talk before starting work.

  • Ensure control measures are followed on-site.

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7. Review and Update

Review the risk assessment:

  • Before each new job

  • After any incident or near miss

  • When work methods or equipment change

A dynamic risk assessment may also be needed on-site to adapt to changing conditions.

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Bonus Tips for Tree Surgery Risk Assessments

  • Always include site-specific factors: terrain, nearby hazards, access issues, etc.

  • Attach relevant documents: rescue plan, method statement, or weather report.

  • Include qualifications: e.g. chainsaw tickets, climbing certification (e.g. NPTC).

  • Consider emergency procedures: location of first aid kit, how to call for help, nearest hospital.

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Final Thoughts

A good risk assessment doesn’t just tick a box—it saves lives. By identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and putting practical controls in place, tree surgeons can do their work safely and confidently. Keep it clear, relevant, and site-specific. Safety on the ground starts with planning at the top.

If you’d like, I can provide a downloadable risk assessment template tailored to tree work—just let me know.

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