Tree Surgeon Risk Assessment Template for New Zealand

A Tree Surgeon Risk Assessment is a legally mandated document that you must complete before undertaking any tree surgery work in New Zealand. This comprehensive safety document systematically identifies potential hazards, evaluates associated risks, and establishes control measures to protect workers, the public, and property during arboriculture operations.

When do you need this document?

You are required to complete a Tree Surgeon Risk Assessment for every tree surgery project, regardless of size or complexity. This includes routine pruning operations, emergency tree removals after storms, large-scale commercial clearance projects, and maintenance work near power lines or buildings. The assessment must be completed before work commences and updated whenever site conditions change, new hazards are identified, or the scope of work is modified. Tree surgery companies must also prepare specific assessments for high-risk scenarios such as working near utility services, removing diseased or structurally compromised trees, or operating in confined spaces or near public areas.

Key legal considerations

Your risk assessment must address several critical safety elements to ensure legal compliance and worker protection. The document must include comprehensive hazard identification covering working at heights, chainsaw and machinery operation, falling objects, electrical hazards from nearby power lines, and environmental factors such as weather conditions and ground stability. You must specify required personal protective equipment (PPE) including helmets, safety harnesses, cut-resistant clothing, and eye protection. The assessment should detail emergency procedures including aerial rescue protocols, first aid arrangements, and evacuation plans. Personnel qualifications and competency requirements must be documented, ensuring all workers have appropriate certifications for chainsaw operation, climbing, and machinery use. Insurance requirements and liability considerations should also be addressed to protect all parties involved in the project.

Legal requirements in New Zealand

Under New Zealand's Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, you have a primary duty of care to ensure the health and safety of all workers and others who may be affected by your tree surgery operations. The Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016 provide specific requirements for risk assessment processes, emergency procedures, and PPE usage. You must follow the Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Arboriculture, which sets industry standards for safe climbing practices, chainsaw operation, and aerial rescue procedures. The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 impose strict requirements when working near electrical installations, including minimum clearance distances and notification procedures. Additionally, the Resource Management Act 1991 may apply if your work involves protected trees or could impact the environment, requiring council permits and compliance with local environmental regulations. Regular review and updating of your risk assessment is mandatory to maintain compliance with evolving safety standards and changing site conditions.