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Utility vegetation management is one of the most hazardous jobs in the industry. Although it is the backbone to keep power lines operational, prevent outages, and reduce wildfires, it comes with a heavy cost. UVM workers face some of the gravest safety risks in the utility sector.
Picture this:
The UVM manager is trimming, the branches, 25 feet high up of a tree, chainsaw in hand, with just a few inches away from a 60kv power line. A sudden gust of wind moves the branch. The manager finds it hard to balance and the crew below scramble to adjust. One wrong move and it could result in electrocution, a steep fall, or a wildfire spark.
From trimming trees near electrical infrastructure to clearing brush under transmission towers, it is one of the most complex and dangerous scenarios, these UVM managers put themselves into, every single day.
In this article, lets dives into the challenges Utility Vegetation Managers encounter, and explore strategies for safety in the field.
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Utility vegetation management crews work in close proximity to high-voltage power lines, and they pose a constant threat of electrocution. Even indirect contact, such as tree branches touching power lines, can cause fatal shocks or arc flashes, which release extreme heat, fire, and electrical explosions.
Arborist Found Unconscious in Tree After Branch Hits Live Wires. A tragic reminder of the dangers in utility vegetation management.
It happens far too often than we realize. Many workers presume that the insulated tools provide full protection to them. Regardless of the insulation, Minimum Approach Distance (MADs) is essential, without which voltage arc might occur unexpectedly.
So, what needs to be done to prevent it?
When you are climbing trees working on the tree crowns using aerial lifts, in remote areas or fields with uneven terrain, the risk of falls from heights is too high. The slippery bark, or faulty equipment only increases the danger and might lead to serious injuries. And there are workers who rely on old climbing techniques, which can fail under high winds or unstable tree limbs.
To add on, fatigue and rushed schedules with tight deadlines only leads to skipped safety checks of harnesses and ladders.
Nearly 1 in 6 tree work accidents involve a fall from height, while 6% result from uncontrolled swings, slamming workers into branches or the trunk.
What should be done to prevent it?
One of the most common injuries is kickback, when the saw tip contacts a hard object, violently jerking the saw backward. Chainsaws, brush cutters, woodchippers, and stump grinders are essential, but they are equally dangerous tools. Equipment malfunctions, improper handling of the tools, and lack of PPE may lead to severe cuts, amputations, or fatal kickbacks.
Workers in the field often skip personal protective equipment (PPE), assuming they can react fast enough in an emergency. And unfortunately, these accidents happen with the blink of an eye.
To prevent equipment related injuries, the UVM workers should
Utility vegetation work doesn’t stop for bad weather. Whether it is tress inspection, pruning, chipping or trimming, crews often face heat stress, lightning storms, icy conditions, and wildlife encounters while working in remote areas. Working long hours under such extreme weather conditions can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, or hypothermia.
Extreme weather not only complicates tasks but also increases the likelihood of equipment failure or tree instability. The storms and high winds add on to the dire situation, turning the tree trimming and vegetation routine into a nightmare.
To prevent these hazards in the field,
When rights-of-way (ROW) run along highways or urban streets, UVM crews face another layer of danger. The crazy traffic. Working near busy roads is another significant hazard. Although setting up traffic cones, using warning signs, and high-visibility clothing can reduce risks, but high-speed roads and impatient drivers still remain a significant threat.
To prevent these threats,
All the risks mentioned above don’t exist in isolation. They compound and impact significantly due to operational and systematic issues. And it needs to be addressed through proactive planning, strict inspection guidelines, and the use of UVM software that enables data-driven decisions to enhance safety and risk management at every level.
At KYRO, we’ve seen these challenges firsthand and built a platform that tackles them head-on. Our utility vegetation management software changes safety from a reactive approach to a proactive priority.
By shifting from manual inspections to data-driven decisions, KYRO reduces exposure to live lines, heights, and chaotic weather. It’s not just about compliance, capturing the details, and digitizing the workflows. It’s more about bringing every worker home safe.
Utility vegetation managers are the frontline defenders of our power grid. But their job comes with unrelenting safety risks of live electricity and precarious heights in their daily grind.
By equipping the utility vegetation management teams with real-time insights and proactive planning, we’re rewriting the safety story for UVM. A single misstep can be fatal, but the right safety measures can save lives.
Want to protect your crew and streamline operations?
Explore how KYRO can help with your utility vegetation management program. Schedule a demo today!