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.

Las Vegas Tree Professionals Gear Up for Safety

    

Las Vegas tree professionals at First Choice Tree Service are "tying the knot" with safety.  The tree service company's crew, led by Safety Director, Leon Pera, has been undergoing a series of classes to aide them in their efficiency in tree climbing and safety.  Being accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), the company strives to maintain its safety standards and lead the way in Southern Nevada.

"Learning the names of the knots is as equally important as knowing how to tie them and use them," says Pera. "It's all about educating our employees and teaching them assessment techniques for emergencies."

The crew has undergone first aid and CPR courses and a series of hands-on training in the areas of aerial rescue training and advanced tree climber training.

"We teach them how to use the equipment that they already have with them, to perform tree rescues," says Pera.  "Let's say if a team member is suffering from dehydration and is unable to come down, our own on-site team is capable and equipped to put together a rescue team and efficiently bring the person down while medical help is on its way."

Training at First Choice Tree Service results in certification, but moreover efficiency on the job, skilled professionalism and confidence.

"Seeing our company grow to the next level of expertise is a place that we've wanted to be for years," says Tony Valenti, owner of First Choice Tree Service. "We've set high expectations to be the best in Las Vegas, and it feels great to know that everyone is on board to achieve success."