Management Techniques

Planning and Operational systems

CTS policies and procedures have been generated to comply with industry best practices and to meet all relevant Australian Regulations, Acts, SafeWorkNSW Requirements and Industry Guidelines including:

- Work Health and Safety Act 2011

- Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017

- Protection of Environmental Operations Act 1997

- Protection of the Environmental Operations Act (General) Regulation 2021

- Guide to Managing Risk of Tree Trimming and Removal Work 2016 (SafeWork Australia)

CTS follows NSW Government Safe work Tree Work (Arboriculture) framework model including Plan Job, Think About Your Workers, Reassess as a guideline operation policy. Vincent Carty (person conducting business or undertaking (PCBUs)) is the duty holder under the Work, Health and Safety Laws and must ensure where reasonably practicable the health and safety of workers, plant EWP and, that all equipment is only used within its capacity and in accordance with manufactures recommendations.

Each site will require tree assessment including its condition and stability.

If a job is considered high risk, these are current CTS policies to ensure best practice is reached.

- Documentation of the Safe Work Method at toolbox conversation, including all workers at site.

- Site specific risk assessment conducted

- Emergency rescue plans in place, including aerial rescue procedures

All CTS operations are under Arborist Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS).

Risk management process:

Identify hazards 

This may include:

- Falling objects
-Environmental conditions i.e wind speeds, ground site condition changes
- Crush injuries
- Hazardous manual task ie. lifting, machinery use 

- Cuts, abrasions
- Inhalation of fungal or pollens pores

Assess risks

This helps determine route of action and the urgency of the action needed to be

taken.

Example:
Tree integrity

Is tree suitable to be climbed?
Is this species susceptible to branch failure while under load?

Is the tree dead, diseased or unsafe from storm damage?

Control risks

PCBU is solely responsible for elimination of health and safety risk as reasonably practical using control measures including elimination controls, substitution controls, isolation controls, engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE.th manufactures recommendations.

Review hazards and control measures

Control measures are reviewed and checked often ensuring they are effective and

must take into consideration other variables of site-specific work.

General On- site behaviour

CTS does not tolerate disruptive behaviour or misconduct by any person on-site this includes all workers, contractors, employees.

Misconduct may include:

- Violence, racist or verbal abuse

- Non-compliance with CTS protocols or procedures

- Stealing

- Refusing instructions or directions of supervisor

- Sexually related material or conversation

- Approaching school students on school site

Use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs

- Zero tolerance of use of illegal substance, alcohol or tobacco on the work site

- Drug testing may occur

- Zero use of illegal drugs 48-hours prior to commencing work

- No smoking tobacco, e-cigarettes or their products at job site

- Do not attend work under the influence of alcohol

OHS and Safety Protocols

CTS uses latest tree equipment and climbing gear that complies with NSW regulations, is up to date with services, and is regulatory cleaned, sharpened and evaluated. Our Stihl chainsaws are industry leading models that demonstrate excellent efficiency and operability. We have a vast range of pioneering arborist equipment and tools to generate above average productivity and optimise performance this includes carabiners, slings, flip lines, throw bags, harness, bungees, and foot strops.

Safety equipment allows rope access and provides job assurance. All CTS safety gear including, rope grabs, fall arrest systems, lanyards and climbing saddles adhere to the latest Australian standards. Arborist and tree ground workers PPE and safety clothing is crucial in protecting our team’s safety. Each team member is fitted with boots, gloves, eye protection, helmet, earmuffs, high vis clothing and cut-resistant chainsaw leg protection pants: all which offers high level protection, visibility, and height safety.

CTS workers take precautions to avoid sun damage including task specific light SPF 30+ long sleeve shirts, hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm, sunglasses and weather forecast monitoring to reduce their risk for heat related fatigue or illness.

Environmental Commitments

Mid-North coast is indigenous to many wildlife species, tree care can be a major disruptor to native animals and reptiles. CTS reviews each job mindful of local fauna and plan the best approach if wildlife will be directly affected.

Case examples include:

1. Partial mature tree removal for habitat re-establishment.

2. Hollow caution if the tree is safe and only requires trimming and maintenance, thereby decreases urban habitat crisis and support local fauna.
3. Habitat box installation facilitating habitat augmentation.

Social Value

Local Participation

As a company we apply standards to meet community expectations this includes informing via social media and our website tree species information and at home tree management advice. We also work closely with our local Bellinger Landcare.

Sustainability

CTS use appropriate resources to minimise waste and emissions wherever possible to prevent pollution from our activities. We work closely with Bellingen Organic Landcare supplying them with mulch and thereby establish an eco-friendly service. Our roll at CTS is to help healthy trees stay healthy and ensure distressed, diseased, or dead trees are removed and, in some cases, replaced in a sustainable practice.