The Edge March/April/May 2026

WE’RE FOR EVERY TREE.

SAFETY TRAINING THAT STICKS While safety training is

be mentored on the safe way to perform their work. “The mentor shares and demonstrates work habits on the importance of using proper PPE, operating equipment and tools in a safe manner, and be ing a positive and contributing member of the crew,”Steel says. “It is important for the mentor participanting in a buddy system to set good examples of safe work behaviors at all times.” ADVICE FOR OTHERS Clifford stresses that safety should be a foundational aspect of your culture, not just a checklist. Steel adds that new hires should be aware of and trained on safety interventions before being exposed to any workplace hazards. “It is important that the safety policy statements and safety training be fully docu mented by the company’s HR department and the new hire with a description of the shared information, date of hire/date of training, employee signature, and company representative/ trainer identification,” Steel says. Clifford recommends setting clear expectations and not assuming new employees al ready know certain procedures. “Verify understanding through demonstrations and hands-on practice,” Clifford says. “When organizations consistently implement these practices, new team members become confident, competent, and significantly less likely to experience injuries.” TE

important, it does your new team members no good if it isn’t memorable and engaging. “We avoid lengthy lectures and instead focus on hands-on demonstrations, brief scenar io-based activities, and peer-led discussions,” Clifford says. “New employees tend to engage more effectively when they can see, try, and discuss situations rather than just listening to instructions.” Steel advises having trainers ask trainees to demonstrate the safe work skills, as this often results in long-term adoption of safe work behaviors. Clifford says sharing real, an onymized examples from past incidents also helps make risks more tangible. They also utilize web-based training to intro duce the concepts and define the risks. He says this format is scalable and repeatable across their multiple locations. “Finally, we keep safety messages concise, frequent, and relevant to the day’s tasks,” Clifford says. “When delivered in small, repeated doses, this approach helps reinforce learn ing without overwhelming participants.” Clifford says that rather than relying on a single event, short, focused safety sessions help reinforce habits over time. Another effective training method is to implement the buddy system, where new hires can work alongside a well-ex perienced crew member and

EXPERT TREE CARE FOR 119 YEARS — AND GROWING.

Acer palmatum . Betula papyrifera . Better known as Japanese Maple and Paper Birch, these are two of the thousands of species we specialize in. For 119 years, our family-owned company has brought a rare mix of groundbreaking science, award-winning safety practices, and global resources to every tree and shrub care task at hand. And at the heart of our success are our people — experts who know and champion every tree, no matter the species. Discover how our passion is inspiring one beautiful property after another. Call 877-227-8538 or visit bartlett.com PRUNING | FERTILIZATION | CABLING & BRACING INSECT & DISEASE MANAGEMENT | TREE INSPECTIONS STORM DAMAGE | LIGHTNING PROTECTION | REMOVALS

 KEY TAKEAWAYS ■ New hires face elevated

exposure, and slips or falls account for the majority of incidents with new hires. ■ Safety habits develop through repeated obser vation, reinforcement, and real-time feedback, not a one-time training during their onboarding.

The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company

risk early on. Their inexpe rience, being unfamiliar with certain equipment, and limited situational awareness make the first year on the job the most dangerous. ■ Improper PPE use, poor lifting technique, heat

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