Product Overview

Summary: This Tree Hazard Assessment Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, defensible method for identifying, assessing, and controlling risks from trees on or near Australian workplaces. It helps duty holders systematically manage tree-related hazards, protect workers and the public, and demonstrate compliance with WHS obligations and local council requirements.

Trees are a valuable asset on Australian worksites, public spaces and private properties, but they can also present serious safety risks if not systematically assessed and managed. Falling limbs, uprooting in storms, interference with powerlines and hidden structural defects can lead to injury, property damage, service interruption and significant legal exposure for PCBUs and land managers. This Tree Hazard Assessment Safe Operating Procedure establishes a consistent, evidence-based process for identifying and controlling tree-related risks before they become incidents.

The SOP guides your team through planning and conducting tree inspections, assessing likelihood and consequence using structured risk criteria, and implementing proportionate controls such as pruning, exclusion zones, monitoring or removal. It clarifies when a qualified arborist is required, how to document findings, and how to prioritise remedial works in line with WHS legislation and local authority expectations. By adopting this procedure, organisations can improve worker and public safety, support defensible decision-making, and integrate tree risk management into broader WHS and asset management systems.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of injuries, fatalities and property damage from falling branches or tree failure.
• Ensure a consistent, documented approach to tree risk assessment that stands up to regulatory and legal scrutiny.
• Prioritise maintenance budgets by ranking tree hazards and scheduling works based on clearly defined risk levels.
• Support compliance with WHS duties, local council conditions and utility clearance requirements.
• Improve communication between WHS teams, asset managers and arborists with clear roles, criteria and reporting templates.

Who is this for?

• Arborists
• Grounds and Maintenance Managers
• Parks and Gardens Supervisors
• Local Government Asset Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Estate and Farm Managers
• School Business Managers
• Utility Vegetation Management Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Falling branches (limb drop) causing impact injuries to workers, contractors or the public
• Whole tree failure due to root decay, windthrow or structural defects
• Contact with overhead or underground services (powerlines, communications, utilities)
• Obstructed sight lines for vehicles and pedestrians leading to traffic incidents
• Trip hazards from exposed roots, lifted pavements and fallen debris
• Tree instability following excavation, construction or soil disturbance
• Increased risk during severe weather events (storms, high winds, flooding)
• Manual handling and chainsaw-related risks during remedial works if not properly planned

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (e.g. target zone, likelihood, structural defect)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Pre-Assessment Planning and Consultation
• 5.0 Required Tools, Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 6.0 Tree Hazard Identification Criteria (visible defects, site conditions, targets)
• 7.0 Step-by-Step Tree Hazard Assessment Procedure
• 8.0 Risk Rating Methodology (likelihood and consequence matrix for tree failure)
• 9.0 Control Measures and Risk Treatment Options (pruning, exclusion zones, removal, monitoring)
• 10.0 Triggers for Specialist Arborist or Engineer Involvement
• 11.0 Interaction with Utilities, Roads and Public Access Areas
• 12.0 Documentation, Reporting and Record Keeping Requirements
• 13.0 Integration with WHS Risk Registers and Asset Management Systems
• 14.0 Emergency Response and Immediate Make-Safe Actions
• 15.0 Review Frequency, Reinspection Intervals and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 References, Legislation and Supporting Guidance

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in each state and territory)
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities: Code of Practice
• AS 4970: Protection of trees on development sites
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines
• AS 4373: Pruning of amenity trees
• Relevant state-based electrical safety guidelines for vegetation near powerlines (e.g. NSW, QLD, VIC Codes of Practice)