Product Overview

Summary: This Emergency Response Planning for Arborists SOP sets out a clear, practical framework for managing incidents in tree work, from serious falls and struck-by events through to bushfire and severe weather emergencies. It helps Australian arboriculture businesses respond quickly, coordinate effectively with emergency services, and meet their WHS obligations when the unexpected happens.

Tree work is inherently high risk, with arborists routinely exposed to falls from height, chainsaw injuries, falling timber, electrical hazards, and rapidly changing weather conditions. When something goes wrong in a tree, it can escalate quickly and access for emergency responders is often difficult. This Emergency Response Planning for Arborists SOP provides a structured, field-ready approach to preparing for and managing those critical moments, tailored specifically to Australian tree work environments in urban streetscapes, parks, private properties, and remote bushland.

The procedure guides businesses through pre-planning, on-site readiness, and coordinated response to incidents such as falls, entrapment aloft, severe bleeding, electric shock, uncontrolled tree movement, vehicle incidents, and bushfire or storm events. It clarifies roles, communication protocols, rescue planning for climbers and EWP operators, and how to interface with emergency services. By embedding this SOP into day-to-day operations, arboriculture businesses can demonstrate due diligence under WHS law, improve survival outcomes for injured workers, and reduce confusion, delays, and secondary incidents when an emergency occurs.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a consistent, well-rehearsed response to falls, struck-by incidents, and other arborist emergencies.
• Reduce response time and confusion by clearly defining roles, communication channels, and escalation pathways.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS due diligence requirements for high-risk tree work and working at height.
• Improve coordination with ambulance, fire, and energy network providers through pre-planned information and site access arrangements.
• Support effective training, drills, and competency assessments for rescue and emergency response in arboriculture teams.

Who is this for?

• Arborists
• Climbing Arborists
• Ground Crew Leaders
• Tree Work Supervisors
• WHS Managers
• HSEQ Coordinators
• Business Owners in Arboriculture and Tree Services
• Local Council Parks and Gardens Managers
• Utility Vegetation Management Coordinators
• Construction and Civil Site Managers engaging arborists

Hazards Addressed

• Falls from height during climbing or EWP operations
• Workers struck by falling branches, limbs, or whole trees
• Chainsaw and wood chipper traumatic injuries
• Contact with or arcing from overhead or underground electrical services
• Entrapment or suspension trauma of climbers aloft
• Vehicle and mobile plant incidents involving trucks, EWPs, and loaders
• Adverse weather events including high winds, lightning, and severe storms
• Bushfire and grassfire impacting tree work sites, especially in peri-urban and rural areas
• Exposure to hazardous wildlife (e.g. bees, wasps, snakes) triggering medical emergencies
• Heat stress, dehydration, and other environmental medical conditions

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Arborist, Climber, Ground Crew, EWP, Rescue Plan, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Supervisors, Emergency Controller, First Aiders, Workers)
• 4.0 Pre-Job Emergency Planning and Risk Assessment
• 5.0 Site Information, Access and Communication with Emergency Services
• 6.0 Emergency Equipment Requirements (First Aid, Rescue Kits, Communication Devices)
• 7.0 General Emergency Response Principles for Arborists
• 8.0 Specific Emergency Scenarios and Response Procedures
• 8.1 Fall from Height or Entrapment Aloft
• 8.2 Struck-by or Crushing Incidents from Limbs or Trees
• 8.3 Chainsaw, Chipper and Plant-Related Injuries
• 8.4 Electrical Contact or Near Miss with Powerlines
• 8.5 Severe Weather, Lightning and High Wind Events
• 8.6 Bushfire and Grassfire Threats to Tree Work Sites
• 8.7 Medical Emergencies (Anaphylaxis, Heat Stress, Cardiac Events)
• 9.0 Rescue Procedures for Climbers and EWP Operators
• 10.0 Communication Protocols and Escalation (Internal and External)
• 11.0 Coordination with Energy Network Operators and Local Authorities
• 12.0 Post-Incident Actions, Reporting and Notifiable Incidents
• 13.0 Training, Drills and Competency Requirements
• 14.0 Document Control, Review and Continuous Improvement
• Appendix A – Sample Emergency Response Plan Template for Tree Work Sites
• Appendix B – Emergency Contact and Information Sheet
• Appendix C – Pre-Start Emergency Drill Checklist
• Appendix D – Incident Report and Debrief Form

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant State/Territory variations)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth and relevant State/Territory variations)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• AS 4373: Pruning of amenity trees
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems