In this article, we’ll look at the best practices for onboarding your new Tree Feller. We’ll look at the employee onboarding process/steps you can add to your own reusable Tree Feller checklist.
Need help with onboarding new Forestry team members? See the templates and resources we recommend for successful onboarding experiences.
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Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Tree Feller starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Forestry onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Tree Feller, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Tree Feller onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.
1. Safety Training: The first and foremost task for a new tree feller is to undergo comprehensive safety training. This includes learning about the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), understanding safety protocols, and being aware of potential hazards in the forestry industry. This task is typically performed by the company’s safety officer or a designated trainer.
2. Equipment Familiarization: Familiarizing oneself with the various tools and equipment used in tree felling is crucial. This task involves learning about chainsaws, axes, ropes, harnesses, and other specialized equipment. The company’s experienced tree fellers or equipment operators usually provide this training.
3. Tree Identification: A tree feller must be able to identify different tree species accurately. This task involves learning about the characteristics, growth patterns, and common locations of various trees. The company’s senior arborists or forestry experts often conduct this training.
4. Forest Management Practices: Understanding forest management practices is essential for a tree feller. This task includes learning about sustainable harvesting techniques, reforestation methods, and the importance of maintaining biodiversity. The company’s forestry manager or environmental specialist typically provides this training.
5. Chainsaw Maintenance: Proper maintenance of chainsaws is crucial for a tree feller’s safety and efficiency. This task involves learning how to clean, sharpen, and lubricate chainsaws, as well as troubleshooting common issues. The company’s equipment maintenance team or experienced tree fellers usually perform this training.
6. Tree Felling Techniques: Learning the proper techniques for safely and efficiently felling trees is a critical task. This includes understanding directional felling, notching, backcutting, and dealing with potential hazards like leaning trees or obstacles. Experienced tree fellers or forestry supervisors often provide this training.
7. Climbing and Aerial Work: If the job requires climbing trees or performing aerial work, the new tree feller must undergo training in tree climbing techniques, using harnesses, ropes, and other climbing equipment. This task is typically performed by experienced tree climbers or certified arborists within the company.
8. Environmental Regulations: Understanding and complying with environmental regulations is essential for a tree feller. This task involves learning about permits, protected species, and any specific regulations related to the company’s operating area. The company’s environmental compliance officer or legal team usually provides this training.
9. Teamwork and Communication: Effective teamwork and communication are crucial in the forestry industry. This task involves learning how to work collaboratively with other tree fellers, equipment operators, and supervisors. The company’s team leaders or experienced tree fellers often provide guidance and mentorship in this area.
10. Emergency Response and First Aid: Being prepared for emergencies and knowing basic first aid is vital for a tree feller. This task includes learning about emergency response protocols, CPR, and basic first aid techniques. The company’s safety officer or designated first aid trainer typically provides this training.
11. Job Site Orientation: Familiarizing oneself with the specific job site is important for a tree feller’s safety and efficiency. This task involves learning about access points, potential hazards, emergency exits, and any site-specific rules or procedures. The company’s site supervisor or safety officer usually conducts this orientation.
12. Company Policies and Procedures: Understanding the company’s policies and procedures is essential for a new tree feller. This task includes learning about work hours, reporting mechanisms, leave policies, and any other relevant guidelines. The company’s HR department or supervisor typically provides this information during the onboarding process.
13. Continuous Professional Development: To stay updated with industry trends and enhance skills, a tree feller should engage in continuous professional development. This task involves attending workshops, conferences, or training sessions offered by the company or external organizations. The company’s HR department or supervisor may provide information and support in this area.
14. Performance Evaluation and Feedback: Regular performance evaluations and feedback sessions are crucial for a tree feller’s growth and improvement. This task involves participating in performance reviews, discussing goals, and receiving constructive feedback. The company’s supervisor or team leader typically conducts these evaluations.
15. Mentorship and Shadowing: To gain practical experience and learn from experienced professionals, a new tree feller may benefit from a mentorship or shadowing program. This task involves pairing the new employee with a seasoned tree feller who can provide guidance, answer questions, and share their expertise. The company’s HR department or supervisor may facilitate this mentorship program
From reading through the items in the example Tree Feller checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Tree Feller up to speed and working well in your Forestry team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.
