LIFELINE

F O C U S O N S A F E T Y
continued from page 13
The following information pertains to each classification
and the number of questions on each of the four exams:
SECTION I: WRITTEN EXAMINATION
There are tests for each of the following four classifications:
grounds person, tree trimmer trainee, top tree trimmer,
and crewleader. The tests have been developed to progress
from one level to the next, and require the employee to pass
not only their current classification, but also all lower
classifications.
Grounds Person Test
The grounds person test is the most comprehensive. It
consists of 123 questions and covers ten topics addressing
basic work practices, company policies and procedures,
job-related hazards, and personal protective equipment.
Trimmer Trainee Test
The trimmer trainee test consists of 102 questions and
covers nine topics, which include pruning techniques,
electrical identification, climbing and roping procedures,
and aerial rescue.
Top Trimmer Test
The top trimmer test consists of 74 questions covering
nine topics whose subject matter is similar to the trimmer
trainee test, but more technical in nature.
Crewleader Test
The crewleader test has 40 questions
and an exercise to identify
critical components of aerial devices.
The majority of this test focuses on
leadership and communication skills.
Over the next 90 days, the general foreperson will be
completing a Performance & Safety Evaluation form, which
consists of 16 categories. Employees will only be expected to
perform tasks that are applicable to their job classification.
The evaluation consists of two components, either satisfactory
or unsatisfactory. When the evaluation is complete,
all unsatisfactory categories will be discussed with the
employee. When the general foreperson is confident the
employee understands the correct answer, the employee
will then go back to work. In 30 days, the employee will be
re-evaluated to gain the satisfactory component needed to
successfully complete the evaluation.
When the employee achieves all satisfactory categories
in the field evaluation, the form is sent to the Dayton, Ohio,
office. Once the office receives the evaluation, they will enter
the information as needed, and the employee will gain their
LCTT Certification for their job classification and receive a
certification card.
All Nelson Tree LCTT employees are re-certified every
year. This re-certification includes a field evaluation
and completion of the Performance & Safety
Evaluation form. No additional exams
will be required if staying in
the same job classification.
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After completing an exam, the general
foreperson will grade the test. A 70% is
considered a passing grade. All incorrect answers
will be addressed by the general foreperson
to ensure the employee understands the
information. Only when the general foreperson
is confident that the employee understands the
correct answer will the employee and general
foreperson sign off on the test.
The next step is the field evaluation. This is the
part of the process where the employee performs their
job functions. This is also a time that the employee
becomes a little nervous as he is being watched regularly
by the general foreperson and crewleader.