Employee Safety Training

Golf Course Operations staff after completing chainsaw training exercise

Recently, the Golf Course Operations staff at Westfield Group Country Club went through a chainsaw safety training exercise with Scott Lerman from Bryan Equipment, a distribubtor of Stihl chainsaws and equipment.

Although staff had previous classroom training, with the amount of tree work brought on by the Emerald Ash Borer, we felt it very important to have a solid combination of classroom and hands-on training for our full time staff and interns.

 

Our stated objective for the day was to enhance our understanding of safe chainsaw operations and tree felling techniques.

 

 Our training session included three parts:

1. Classroom Review
   • Chainsaw operating parts, safety features and adjustments
   • Personal Protective Equipment
   • Emergency response and first aid
   • Tree Felling Techniques
2. Tailgate Instruction - Conducted on truck tailgate
   • Reveiwed and inspected all PPE
   • Reveiwed and inspected chainsaws and other equipment used
   • Review of emergency plan
3. Field Demonstration
   • Identify hazards
   • Review tree felling target procedures
   • Specify cutting angle on tree
   • Drop tree

Instructor Scott Lerman demonstrating proper cutting angle

After the tree was dropped, we identified and evaluated ground hazards and how to safely remove them.  Scott demonstrated proper cutting techniques for relieving stress points on branches.

Identifying stress points on branches

Once all stress points were relieved, Scott required all staff to demonstrate proficiency in the cutting techniques used to fell the tree.  All participants were coached on how to make the cuts and successfully completed the tasks

 Staff member Brent Cherry using bore cut technique

All in all it was a great experience for our staff and we now have the level of experience and training that aids in making tree removal at Westfield Group Country Club safer.

*Photos courtesy of Mark Jordan and Scott Lerman

Comments

[andrew gallo]

Westfield Golf Course 014<-- wow I loved it! :)

[Mark Jordan]

Are you commenting on the training or did you play the golf course?