Product Overview

Summary: This SOP provides a clear, practical framework for safe manual handling in arboriculture and tree care operations, from ground work to canopy access and clean-up. It helps Australian tree businesses reduce musculoskeletal injuries, meet WHS obligations, and keep crews working safely and efficiently on every job.

Manual handling is one of the highest risk activities in tree care, with workers routinely lifting chainsaws, dragging heavy limbs, handling wood chippers, stacking logs, and manoeuvring equipment over uneven terrain. Without a structured approach, these tasks can quickly lead to back strains, shoulder injuries, slips, trips and long-term musculoskeletal disorders that impact both workers and business continuity. This Manual Handling in Tree Care SOP gives your team a clear, step-by-step system for planning, performing and supervising manual tasks safely in the unique conditions of arboriculture work.

Developed for Australian tree care operations, this procedure translates WHS requirements into practical field guidance your crews can actually use. It covers task planning, risk assessment, correct lifting and team lifting techniques, use of mechanical aids (such as trolleys, winches and loaders), safe handling around chainsaws and chippers, and strategies for working on slopes, in confined spaces, and in public areas. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence, support safer work practices, reduce injury-related downtime and workers compensation costs, and provide consistent, defendable training for new and existing staff.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries from lifting, dragging and carrying tree sections, tools and equipment.
• Ensure consistent, best-practice manual handling techniques across all tree care crews and sites.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation and duty of care for hazardous manual tasks.
• Improve productivity by planning tasks, using mechanical aids and team lifting to minimise fatigue and rework.
• Support effective inductions and refresher training with a clear, documented procedure tailored to arboriculture.

Who is this for?

• Arborists
• Ground Crew Workers
• Climbing Arborists
• Team Leaders and Leading Hands
• Tree Service Business Owners
• WHS Advisors and Safety Coordinators
• Local Council Parks and Gardens Supervisors
• Horticulture and Grounds Maintenance Supervisors
• Utility Vegetation Management Supervisors
• Training and Induction Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Musculoskeletal disorders from repetitive lifting, twisting and awkward postures
• Back, shoulder and knee strains from lifting logs, branches and equipment
• Overexertion injuries from dragging branches and brush to the chipper
• Slip, trip and fall incidents on uneven, sloping or vegetated ground while carrying loads
• Crush and pinch injuries to hands and feet when handling logs and timber sections
• Fatigue-related errors and incidents due to poor task planning and excessive manual effort
• Manual handling around powered equipment such as chainsaws, chippers and stump grinders
• Injuries from handling loads at height or in and out of vehicles, utes and trailers

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (Manual Handling, Hazardous Manual Tasks, Mechanical Aids)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Supervisors, Workers)
• 4.0 Consultation, Training and Competency Requirements
• 5.0 Planning Manual Handling in Tree Care Operations
• 6.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for Manual Tasks
• 7.0 Risk Control Measures – Hierarchy of Control in Arboriculture
• 8.0 Use of Mechanical Aids and Equipment (trolleys, winches, loaders, cranes)
• 9.0 Safe Lifting, Carrying and Team Lifting Techniques for Logs and Branches
• 10.0 Manual Handling Around Chainsaws, Chippers and Stump Grinders
• 11.0 Working on Slopes, Uneven Ground and in Confined or Public Areas
• 12.0 Vehicle Loading, Unloading and Handling of Plant and Equipment
• 13.0 Fatigue Management and Work Organisation for Manual Tasks
• 14.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 15.0 Incident Reporting, Early Injury Reporting and Response
• 16.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement of Manual Handling Practices
• 17.0 Recordkeeping and Document Control

Legislation & References

• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Model Work Health and Safety Regulations (Hazardous Manual Tasks)
• AS/NZS 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems
• AS 2727:1997 Chainsaws – Guide to safe working (relevant to handling and associated manual tasks)
• Relevant state and territory Work Health and Safety Acts and Regulations (e.g. Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW), Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW))