Product Overview

Summary: This Tree Overhang Management SOP sets out a clear, safe and compliant approach to identifying, assessing and controlling risks from trees and branches that extend over workplaces, public areas and assets. It helps Australian businesses systematically manage pruning, access and contractor works so they can protect people, property and infrastructure while meeting their WHS and duty of care obligations.

Tree overhangs above buildings, car parks, footpaths and work areas can present significant safety, operational and legal risks if not actively managed. Falling branches, interference with powerlines, blocked sightlines and damage to roofing or vehicles are all foreseeable hazards that sit squarely within an organisation’s duty of care. This Tree Overhang Management Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, defensible method for identifying problematic overhangs, prioritising works, and engaging competent personnel to complete pruning and removal tasks safely.

The SOP walks your team through the full lifecycle of overhang management: from routine inspections and risk assessments, through consultation with neighbours and utilities, to traffic and pedestrian control, safe work methods at height, and post‑work clean-up and documentation. It clarifies when a qualified arborist is required, how to integrate local council and vegetation protection requirements, and how to coordinate with electrical network operators. By implementing this procedure, businesses can significantly reduce the likelihood of injuries, property damage, service disruption and complaints, while demonstrating compliance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant standards.

This document is particularly valuable for organisations with multiple sites or large outdoor areas—such as councils, schools, body corporates, industrial estates and health or aged care facilities—who need a repeatable, transparent system for managing tree risks. It supports consistent decision-making, improves contractor control, and provides clear evidence of due diligence if an incident or insurance claim arises.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of injuries and property damage caused by falling branches, obstructed sightlines and unsafe access around trees.
• Ensure compliance with WHS obligations, vegetation controls and utility provider requirements when managing overhanging trees.
• Standardise how inspections, risk ratings and pruning decisions are made across sites and teams.
• Improve control over contractors and arborists through clear competency, safety and documentation requirements.
• Support defensible record-keeping that demonstrates due diligence in the event of incidents, complaints or insurance claims.

Who is this for?

• Facilities Managers
• Property Managers
• Grounds and Maintenance Supervisors
• Local Government Parks and Gardens Coordinators
• Arborists and Tree Workers
• Construction Site Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• School Business Managers
• Aged Care and Healthcare Facilities Managers
• Body Corporate / Strata Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Falling branches and limb failure impacting workers, visitors, vehicles or structures
• Contact with or proximity to overhead powerlines and other electrical infrastructure
• Falls from height during tree access, climbing, elevated work platforms or ladder use
• Struck-by and crush injuries from chainsaws, wood chippers and mobile plant used in tree work
• Slips, trips and falls from debris, uneven ground and poor housekeeping in work areas
• Traffic and pedestrian interface risks when working near roads, driveways or car parks
• Manual handling injuries from lifting, dragging or loading branches and timber
• Noise, vibration and flying debris exposure from powered cutting equipment
• Property damage to roofs, gutters, fences, vehicles and underground services
• Reduced visibility and sightlines for vehicles and pedestrians due to unmanaged overhang

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (Overhang, Target Area, Critical Defect, Arborist, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Planning, Consultation and Regulatory Requirements
• 5.0 Tree Overhang Inspection and Risk Assessment Process
• 6.0 Prioritisation and Scheduling of Tree Works
• 7.0 Working Near Overhead Powerlines and Utilities
• 8.0 Safe Work Methods for Pruning and Branch Removal
• 9.0 Use of Access Equipment (Ladders, EWPs, Climbing Systems)
• 10.0 Required PPE and Safety Equipment
• 11.0 Traffic and Pedestrian Management Around Tree Work Zones
• 12.0 Contractor Management and Verification of Competency
• 13.0 Environmental and Neighbourhood Considerations (Noise, Debris, Habitat)
• 14.0 Waste Management, Clean-up and Site Restoration
• 15.0 Incident, Near Miss and Hazard Reporting
• 16.0 Documentation, Records and Audit Requirements
• 17.0 Training, Induction and Review of the Procedure

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• AS 4373: Pruning of amenity trees
• AS/NZS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS 2550.10: Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Mobile elevating work platforms
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Wiring Rules) – for work near electrical installations and clearances
• Relevant state or territory electrical safety and vegetation management guidelines issued by distribution network service providers