EMPLOYEE SAFETY
In 2014, Davey Tree focused on three key performance metrics
to improve safe productivity: (1) job observations; (2) close-call
communications; and (3) effective job briefings. Through
measurement and ongoing management of these leading
indicators, we hope to successfully lower the frequency of
safety incidents and deficiencies in the field.
In order to encourage our employees to employ safe business
practices, our safety department assists operations management
in creating, implementing and improving Davey Tree's safety
culture. Our certified tree care safety professionals and other
experts demonstrate the latest safety techniques and technology.
They collaborate with local, state and federal agencies to verify
our employees meet regulatory requirements. We distribute
monthly safety summary reports, which include safety alerts,
incident rates and policy changes. In addition, we host weekly
safety tailgate meetings for all field and shop personnel, including
sales and service.
Safety
500 Injury-Free Days
Harold Danielson, a general
foreman, has spent 17 years
preaching the benefits of safe
work practices at Davey Tree.
His crews have recently counted
more than 500 recordable
incident-free days while clearing
vegetation around power lines in
South Carolina. Danielson works
to observe each of the crews a
minimum of once per day. During
his job observations, he looks for
the big things but pays "special
attention to the small things,"
such as proper distance between
work signs. He said that paying
attention to the small things will
help your team "be more likely to
see the big things." Danielson's
crews watch out for each other in
a variety of ways, including daily
"Close-Call Communication,"
which serves as an informal,
open forum for anyone to talk
about close calls and explore
ways to prevent them.
15
WORKFORCE RELATED
INCIDENTS
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
2011 2012 2013 2014
6.21
6.05
5.71 5.71
3.55
4.95
3.37
3.03
Total Incident Rate Lost Time Case (LTC) Rate
HIGHLIGHT
STORY
