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Utility vegetation management isn’t your average 9-to-5 gig. Your team is out there clearing trees, trimming branches, and maintaining power line corridors, and often in remote, rugged areas. Hidden roots, muddy slopes, and unmarked holes lurk beneath the surface, waiting to trip up even the most seasoned workers. They should also be ready to deal with endangered species hiding in thick vegetation growth and around trees.
A single fall can lead to costing you downtime, workers’ comp claims, and a hit to your reputation with clients who expect reliability.
Falls remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the U.S., with 397 fatal falls in construction alone in 2022, a 52.7% increase over the past decade. When working in utility vegetation management (UVM), the risks multiply due to unstable terrain, heavy equipment, and work at heights or near power lines.
But the important thing is most falls are preventable with the right approach. If you're in charge of a crew or managing inspections, reducing fall-in risks should be a top priority.
Here are five steps that are easy to implement, grounded in real-world know-how, and designed to resonate with your crew and your clients.
Terrain conditions change daily due to weather, erosion, and vegetation growth. Workers may assume a familiar site is safe, but unseen hazards like soft soil, hidden pits, or unstable slopes can pose risks. A thorough site audit or field assessment before work begins can prevent serious fall-in incidents
Fall protection gear like harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points are essential, yet they’re often underused or misused. Many UVM workers leave their harnesses in trucks, fail to secure tie-off points, or don’t inspect gear before use.
OSHA mandates fall protection for workers at heights of six feet or more, yet many injuries occur due to improper use, or complete absence of safety gear.
Did you know?
Workers who know their employer strictly enforces fall protection rules are 8x more likely to use safety equipment.
Many fall-in risks in vegetation management come from unstable ground, wet surfaces, and trip hazards. Vegetation workers often operate on uneven terrain, near embankments, or around debris. They often occur due to loose branches, mud, or roots causing trips. The slippery condition after rain and the unstable footing near streams makes it even more challenging.
Quick fact:
Over 25% of non-fatal workplace injuries are due to slips, trips, and falls.
UVM crews often work near hazardous drop-offs, embankments, and aerial lifts. Many falls occur because workers don’t secure themselves properly or use incorrect fall arrest systems.
The common mistake is that workers tie-off at foot level instead of overhead, increasing fall distance, using improper self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) that fray on abrasive edges. And they assume terrain alone provides enough support.
Drones, GPS mapping, and real-time safety software are game changers in reducing fall risks. Remote inspections allow crews to assess hazards before setting foot on a site, significantly reducing exposure to dangerous conditions.
Advanced vegetation management software and exclusive aerial inspection apps like KYRO can drastically reduce the hazards caused by high-risk, manual inspections.
Implementing these steps isn’t just about dodging falls. It’s about building a safer, smarter vegetation management operation. Fewer incidents mean lower insurance premiums and less downtime keeps projects on track, earning you a rep as a reliable partner.
A single fall-related or workplace injury claim can cost more than $40k. Compare that to the minimal investment in boots, barriers, or a quick walkthrough. The math does the work on what protects lives and increases the bottom line of your business and what does not.
Falls continue to be the #1 safety violation in the industry. However, with proactive planning, the right equipment, and smart technology, UVM companies can significantly reduce risks and protect their crews.
At KYRO, we help UVM professionals stay safe while improving efficiency. Our software makes it easier to track safety compliance, manage inspections, and integrate aerial data to reduce high-risk work.
Want to see how KYRO can improve your UVM safety? Talk to us today!