How Tree Professionals Work Safely During Summer Heat Conditions

While the Las Vegas summer heat may bring risk to outdoor tree professionals, First Choice Tree Service has been providing safety training for its crew members to be prepared for heat exhaustion.  Owner of First Choice Tree Service is a Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) who empowers and encourages a culture of safety within his organization.

Tony Valenti, who has owned First Choice Tree Service for over 20 years, is one of a handful certified in tree safety professionals in Nevada.  “We all know that working in the desert heat is taxing to the body,” says Valenti.  “But, tree climbers are in greater danger because they are usually working high up in the trees.”

Heat exhaustion can occur in a very short period of time and can cause dehydration, dizziness and blackouts.  “Our crew is trained to handle the situation safely in the small chance that one of our crew members have incurred a work-related injury or have succumb to fainting while they are up high up in the tree,” say Valenti.  The crew works with the resident “mascot” named Woody, a 150-lb  dummy constructed out of tree stumps and branches.  His sheer weight is a clear reminder of how important it is to be prepared and practice tree safety at all times.

Maintaining a Certified Treecare Safety Professional like Valenti on staff means that First Choice Tree Service is committed to safe practices in arboricultural operations.  He implements the latest technological advances and regulatory activities affecting the industry through the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) safety network, and must commit to ongoing education in the safety field in order to maintain their certification.  
 
Because safety regulations and industry standards are continually evolving, the ongoing education requirement is vital to maintaining a legitimate safety program within a given company. Las Vegas residential and commercial customers can have greater peace of mind with the knowledge that hiring a tree care company with a CTSP on staff helps to ensure safe and professional arboricultural work on their property.