March 22

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The Continuing Education of a Certified Arborist

By clientsite

March 22, 2017


Winter time is CEU time in the green industry! Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) are the lifeline of a professional, no matter what career you’re in. Here at ArborTech Tree Services, we take our certifications very seriously. Continuing Ed keeps us up-to-date on the latest and greatest in our industry with an emphasis on safety.

Due to the seasonal nature of our business, we focus on getting our CEU’s during the winter months. During this time, we have an opportunity to catch-up with colleagues and share best practices, something we don’t have much time for during the whirlwind of the busy season.

Becoming certified requires a significant amount of time: learning in the classroom; self-study and training in the field. Our Arborists are certified through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the Massachusetts Arborist Association (MAA).

Both of these certifications involve a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of arboriculture from botany and biology to pruning and maintenance. After passing the initial exam, one must maintain certification with CEU’s that are obtained through industry workshops, trade shows and other continuing education programs.

Our safety certifications include OSHA 10, the Electrical Hazards Awareness Program (EHAP), and Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP).

Helmet with OSHA 10 and EHAP stickers (also with BlueTooth technology for better communication when working around noisy equipment)

The EHAP program is renewed annually to ensure safety when working in close proximity with dangerous, electrical voltage. The annual recertification includes an aerial rescue component which keeps our Team sharp and alert in an emergency situation.

An ArborTech crew practicing how to respond to an emergency.

The OSHA 10 training is intended to provide entry level awareness for recognizing and preventing hazards on a construction site. This certification is renewed every 5 years and it’s at the top of the list for new employees.

The CTSP certification program allows one or more key employees, at a given company, to become certified tree care safety experts, thereby empowering and encouraging a culture of safety within that organization. TCIA likes to say “Safety is not a component of this certification, it is the certification.” ArborTech’s CTSP holds weekly safety meetings to address safety concerns, equipment malfunctions or shortfalls and provide ongoing training. The CTSP is the point person for all things safety related.

When choosing a company for tree services or plant health care, look for certification & affiliation logos on their website, trucks, hardhats, etc. It’s “shorthand” for letting you know that they are educated, experienced and dedicated to their profession. I don’t know about you, but those are the companies I’d want to work with!

clientsite

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