Rewarding Safe Work Habits Page 6 - Nelson Tree Service

S u m m e r 0 7
LIFELINE
N E W S A N D I N F O R M A T I O N F R O M
Rewarding Safe Work Habits Page 6
GF Helpful Hints from
Region 460
Page 9
Every Correct Quick Quiz
Wins Leather Gloves!
Page 25
Utility Interview Becky
Spach, FirstEnergy
Page 27

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I N T H I S I S S U E
Policy Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
.. Harassment.will.not.be.tolerated.in.the.work.place ..
Storm Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
.. Proper.conduct.and.personal.packing.tips.ease..
. conditions.during.storm.response ..
Safety Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
. Basic.Bonanza.and.General.Foreman.Recognition.
. program.highlight.the.best.of.the.best!
News From the Field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
. Arbor.Day,.Career.Day,.GF.Helpful.Hints.and.many.
. other.exciting.contributions .
Focus on Safety .
. Pre-/Post-trip.Inspection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-15
Job.Briefings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
. Summer.Safety.Tips.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19.
. Accident.Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20.
. Getting.to.Know. . . ..Scott.Palmer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Chipper Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-24
. Chipper.brake.safety.and.FAQs .
Quick Quiz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-26
Guest Utility Contributor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. Featuring.Becky.Spach,.Manager.of.Transmission..
. Forestry.Services.for.First.Energy.Corp ..
Heart to Heart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29
. Part.4.of.4.-.Our.final.tips.for.safeguarding.your.heart .
NelsonWear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31
. Keep.cool.this.summer.in.a.pair.of.lightweight..
. tree.climber's.pants.from.Arborwear .
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LIFELINE
June 07 • Volume 7 • Issue 2
Editor Bev Emmons
Staff Writers Bill Carney
Jim Craner
Scott Palmer
Joe Proko
Ellie Schneider
LIFELINE staff encourages anyone with
suggestions for articles or features to
send them to us. We look forward to
hearing from you.
Please mail your contributions to:
LIFELINE
C/O Bev Emmons
Nelson Tree Service
1463B Simanton Road
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Or call 419-281-0111
Or email bev@nelsontree.com
LIFELINE is produced and distributed
for employees and business partners
as a communication tool of Nelson Tree
Service, Inc.
Nelson Tree Service, Inc. is an
Equal Opportunity Employer.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
It is the policy of Nelson Tree Service, Inc. and it’s management to work continually toward improving recruitment, employment, development and promotional opportunities for minority group members and women.
It is the Company’s intent to provide equal opportunity in all areas of its employment practices and to ensure that there be no discrimination against any applicant or employee on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex,
age, disability, national origin, veteran status, marital status or sexual orientation.
This policy extends to recruiting and hiring, to working conditions, training programs, use of company facilities, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. As a field employee, complaints may be made
to your immediate supervisor, (foreperson, general foreperson, supervisor) or Regional manager. As an employee, complaints may be made to your immediate supervisor, department manager or the Vice President of
Administration & MIS. If you cannot report to your supervisor or manager, or if a complaint you have made has not been promptly addressed, you should call the Vice President of Administration & MIS at 1-800-522-4311.
Management will continue to be guided and motivated by this policy, and with the cooperation of all employees, will actively pursue the related goals of equal and affirmative action throughout the Company.

LOU NEKOLA, PRESIDENT
14843 Sprague Road, Suite E
Strongsville, Ohio 44136
TO ALL OUR EMPLOYEES, CUSTOMERS & FRIENDS:
Summer has finally arrived! The ice, snow and cold have gone and we’ll find more
people out in their yards and on the road. All of us need to be very careful while driving
and be more alert at our work locations for homeowners watching us work. Not only
must we protect their property, we must be extra vigilant to make sure that no one
enters our work zones.
In this issue of the LifeLine, you will find information on our exciting new program,
“Basics Bonanza,” which rewards our employees for following our B2B2 and B2BE
programs. Look for and insist on a visit from your RSS, Supervisor or Regional
Manager to get an opportunity to be rewarded for adhering to the above programs!
You should also be aware that when you win an instant ticket, your General
Foreman gets entered into a General Foreman of the Week or Month Contest giving
them the chance to get BIG REWARDS!
I know we have been over this before, but hurricane season has begun and some
reminders are referenced in this issue of the LifeLine. Please look over this information
so that you are prepared to go and help people devastated by these storms.
Finally, please review and use the B2B2 and B2BE programs to make your work place
the safest it can be. There is nothing more important than having all of our employees
go home to their families each day. Remember, Safety and Professionalism … It’s the
Basics; a vision that demands that our behavior be professional and the outcome be
zero accidents.
Have a safe and happy summer!
Very truly yours,
Lou Nekola,
President
Nelson Tree Service, Inc.
F RO M T H E P R E S I D E N T
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HARASSMENT & THE WORKPLACE
N elson.Tree.is.committed.to.maintaining.a.work.
environment.free.from.discrimination.and.in.
which.employees.at.all.levels.can.devote.their.full.attention.and.best.efforts.to.the.job
..Harassment.has.no.
place.in.the.work.environment ..The.Company.does.
not.authorize.and.will.not.tolerate.any.form.of.harassment.based.on.the.following.factors:.race,.sex,.national.origin,.age,.disability,.religion,.or.any.other.characteristic.that.is.protected.by.law
..This.policy.applies.to.
management.and.non-management.employees.alike,.
and.even.to.non-employees.who.harass.our.employees .
. Examples.of.“harassment”.covered.by.this.policy.include.offensive.language,.jokes,.or.other.physical,.verbal,.
written,.or.pictorial.conduct.relating.to.the.employee’s.
sex,.race,.religion,.national.origin,.age,.disability,.or.other.
factors.protected.by.law.that.would.make.a.reasonable.
person.experiencing.such.behavior.feel.uncomfortable.or.
would.interfere.with.the.person’s.work.performance .
. The.examples.below.are.just.that—.examples ..It.is.
impossible.to.list.every.type.of.behavior.that.can.be.considered.harassment.in.violation.of.this.policy
..In.general,.
any.conduct.based.on.these.traits.that.could.interfere.
with.an.individual’s.work.performance.or.could.create.an.
offensive.environment.will.be.considered.harassment.in.
violation.of.this.policy ..This.is.the.case.even.if.the.offending.employee.did.not.mean.to.be.offensive
..It.is.essential.
that.employees.be.sensitive.to.the.feelings.of.others
Sexual Harassment
. Sexual.harassment.(whether.opposite-sex.or.same-sex).
is.strictly.prohibited ..Some.examples.of.the.types.of.behavior.that.are.considered.sexual.harassment.in.violation.of.
this.policy.include:.sexually.offensive.jokes.or.comments;.
physical.assaults.or.other.touching.that.is.sexual.in.nature;.
promising.favorable.treatment.or.threatening.unfavorable.treatment.based.on.the.employee’s.response.to.sexual.
demands;.displays.of.sexually.oriented.reading.materials.
or.pictures,.including.electronic.materials;.or.punishing.an.
employee.for.complaining.of.sexual.harassment .
Harassment Based on Gender, Race,
National Origin, Age, Disability or Religion
. Harassment.based.on.these.traits.deserves.special.
mention.and.is.strictly.prohibited ..Some.examples.of.
P O L I C Y N OT I C E
the.types.of.behavior.that.will.be.considered.harassment,.in.addition.to.the.examples.stated.above,.based.
on.these.characteristics.include:.jokes.or.negative.
comments.about.these.characteristics;.displays.of.reading.materials.or.pictures.containing.negative.material.about.these.characteristics,.including.electronic.materials;.vandalism.or.“pranks”.based.on.these.characteristics;.name-calling.based.on.these.characteristics;.or.
punishing.an.employee.for.complaining.of.these.types.
of.harassment .
. This.policy.cannot.identify.every.behavior.or.conduct.that.might.be.proscribed.by.this.policy
..Therefore,.
if.you.are.uncertain.as.to.whether.certain.acts.violate.
this.policy,.you.should.report.the.matter.nonetheless .
Reporting Harassment
. The.Company.cannot.resolve.matters.that.it.does.not.
know.about ..Every.employee.has.a.duty.to.immediately.
report.harassment.so.that.the.Company.can.try.to.resolve.the.situation
..You.should.report.harassment.when.
you.feel.that.you.have.been.harassed.or.when.you.have.
seen.someone.else.being.harassed ..This.is.true.whether.
the.alleged.harasser.is.an.employee,.a.supervisor.or.
manager,.or.even.a.non-employee,.such.as.a.customer.or.
vendor.with.whom.the.Company.does.business .
. To.report.harassment,.contact.your..supervisor.(fore-.
person,.general.foreperson,.or.supervisor).or.your.regional.manager
..If.the.harassment.involves.one.of.these.
individuals,.call.the.Executive.Director,.Administration.
at.1-800-522-4311 ..These.individuals.have.been.trained.
to.respond.appropriately.to.reports.of.harassment .
Investigation
. Once.your.report.has.been.received,.the.Company.
will.conduct.a.prompt.and.thorough.investigation;.
discuss.the.results.with.the.complaining.employee.
and,.where.appropriate,.the.action.to.be.taken;.keep.
the.investigation.and.results.as.confidential.as.possible;.and.if.the.complaint.is.verified,.take.appropriate.corrective.action,.up.through.and.including.termination.of.the.harasser
..No.employee.will.be.punished.
for.bringing.a.report.of.harassment.to.the.Company’s.
attention.or.for.cooperating.in.an.investigation .

The experts predicted 2006 would be a very active storm season. Fortunately, the year turned out to be the hurricane season that wasn’t! Unfortunately, 2006 did
have its share of devastating tornadoes, ice storms and snowstorms, including the freak October storm that crippled Buffalo, New York.
Once again, scientists are calling for an active storm season and, whether they are right or wrong, we need to be prepared. Nelson Tree’s Storm Response Code of
Conduct and Storm Response Checklist are intended to ensure storm responders maintain the highest level of professionalism at all times. Review these rules and guidelines
carefully and Nelson Tree Service will continue to be known as the safest and most professional contractor in our industry!
STORM RESPONSE CODE OF CONDUCT
During storm response, there are many circumstances and situations that
test our professionalism. The following examples are perfect opportunities
to put our best foot forward.
TRASH
Always keep your parking area clean. Keep trash bags in the truck to collect
discarded items. Many staging areas provide trash dumpsters. Trash bags
should be securely closed and placed in or beside the dumpster. Never
throw loose trash around the dumpster!
LOUD MUSIC
Bringing personal audio equipment on storm response is fine. Just be sure
not to disturb those around you.
HORSEPLAY
In the early days of storm response, as utilities are coordinating crews,
there is often down time in parking locations. This is the time to review
manuals, do drift tests, inspect equipment, organize bins, etc. It is not the
time for pick up games or foolish play. We are on the clock and should
conduct ourselves accordingly.
BE PREPARED
STORM RESPONSE CHECKLIST
Clothing
(two weeks worth)
Bedroll
Sleeping bag
Pillow
Blanket
Bath towels
Washcloth
Deodorant
(full container)
Toothpaste
(large tube)
Toothbrush
Soap/body wash
Shaving supplies
Shampoo/
hair care products
Contact lens supplies
(several weeks worth)
Foot powder
Athlete foot spray
Wipes
(baby wipes are great)
Hand sanitizer gel
Paper towels
Personal medicine
30-days of prescriptions
Tylenol
Antacids
Cold/Sinus medicine
Pepto Bismol
Immodium
S TO R M R E S P O N S E
STORM SEASON APPROACHES
Bathroom tissue
Shower shoes
(plastic flip flops)
Ice chest
Bottled water
Sports drink
Non-perishable
food
Personal spending
cash
Personal tobacco
products
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
These beverages are not permitted in company vehicles. Additionally, under
DOT law, it is illegal to have alcoholic beverages, other than a payload, on a
commercial vehicle. Alcohol is also prohibited in staging areas.
HOTEL AND RESTAURANT CONDUCT
Professionalism is important at all times, hotels and restaurants are no
exception. From the time the trip begins until we are back home we constantly
represent Nelson Tree Service. Unruly, rowdy and rude behavior
does not reflect a professional image.
SCAVENGING
In storm work, we come across a great deal of debris and rubble. Removing
any item found around homes, along highways, or in yards is considered
theft and is not acceptable.
APPROPRIATE ATTIRE
Proper work clothes, boots and safety vests are required. It is also important
to remain professional during down time. Avoid wearing shirts that
have offensive or inappropriate language.
ALTERCATIONS
The day-to-day stress of storm conditions can lead to short fuses, but it is
imperative to treat everyone with respect. Regardless of whether you are on or
off the clock, no form of harassment or work place violence will be tolerated.
Proper personal packing is a top priority among seasoned responders. This often-overlooked aspect of successful storm response can make or
break you, especially if deployed for extended periods of time.
Storm response conditions are far from ideal, but there are ways to make the experience more comfortable. The following packing list will ease living
conditions so you can remain focused on safely performing your job.
Cheap tarp*
Five-gallon
bucket*
Folding camp
chair*
Cot*
Tent*
* Not required, but
might make life a little
more comfortable.
The experts also recommend preparing your truck
for storm response. Here are their suggestions:
DUMP WOODCHIPS!
The chip box may become an important part
of your daily life. If possible, wash out chip box
at a car wash. Contact your supervisor to
make arrangements.
Clean up and organize tool bins.
Check truck supplies and stock up
before leaving.
Confirm paperwork, such as insurance card
and registration/cab card, is in order. Have an
adequate supply of pre-/post-trip and aerial
inspection forms.
Communicate any pre- and/or post-trip inspection
deficiencies to your supervisor. Any
deficiencies must be corrected before leaving.
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N elson.Tree’s.Basics.Bonanza.Safety.Rewards.
Contest.is.off.and.running!.Already,.employees.
are.reaping.the.rewards.of.following.the.guidelines.of.
our.Back.to.Basics.II.(B2B2).and.Back.to.Basics.Equipment.(B2BE).programs
.
. Members.of.management.and.the.safety.department.are.visiting.crews,.looking.for.employees.who.
are.adhering.to.all.safety.rules ..Many.times.the.crews.
are.asked.about.the.job.they.are.performing.and.other.
relevant.safety.questions ..Safety.compliant.crews.are.
awarded.a.Basics.Bonanza.lottery.ticket .
. By.contest.end.on.December.1,.2007,.thousands.of.
instant.winners.will.have.had.the.opportunity.to.win.
clothing.items,.gift.cards.and.lunch.box.coolers,.while.
many.tickets.will.have.gained.their.recipient.entry.
into.the.grand.prize.drawing.to.be.held.on.Monday,.
December.3,.2007 .
. From.the.GRAND.PRIZE.ENTRY.submissions,.
one.ticket.will.be.pulled.and.the.winner.will.receive.a.
$3,000.gift.card!.Four.additional.tickets.will.be.pulled.
and.these.employees.will.each.receive.a.$1,000.gift.card ..
(See.official.contest.rules.for.complete.details .).Employees.who.receive.these.grand.prize.entry.tickets.need.to.
remember.that.submitting.them.for.the.drawing.is.the.
only.way.they.have.a.chance.to.win.the.BIG.MONEY!
. Don’t.be.left.out.of.the.excitement ..Follow.Nelson.
Tree.Service’s.Back.to.Basics.2.(B2B2).and.Back.to.Basics.Equipment.(B2BE).programs.and.start.scratching!
Be Safe &
Win BIG!!!
To claim an Instant
Winner prize, or to
submit a Grand Prize
Entry ticket, simply mail
tickets in the pre-
addressed envelope
provided, or mail to:
Attn: Basics Bonanza
Nelson Tree Service
1463B Simanton Road
Ashland, OH 44805
Make sure all required information on the ticket is completed
before mailing in. Allow several weeks for processing and receipt
of instant winner prizes. Nelson Tree Service is not responsible for
lost or misguided tickets.
Official Contest Rules:
• Contest is limited to employees of Nelson Tree Service, Inc.
• Tickets are non-transferable – Only the employee who
was awarded the ticket may redeem the ticket.
• Grand Prize Entry tickets must be mailed to the designated
address and postmarked no later than November 15, 2007
for entry in the final drawing.
• Grand Prize winners must meet all eligibility criteria:
Current employee of Nelson Tree Service and worked
without incident* between 5-1-07 and 12-1-07
* without incident is defined as:
• Have not been injured or caused the injury of
another person.
• Did not directly or indirectly cause
any property damage (company or
private property).
• No at-fault vehicle accident.
• Have not directly or indirectly caused
any interruption of electrical service.

General Foreperson
Recognition Program!
. There.is.an.exciting.benefit,.for.all.general.forepersons,.tied.to.the.Basics.Bonanza.Safety.Awards.contest
..
Every.time.an.employee.is.awarded.a.Basics.Bonanza.
ticket.by.a.supervisor,.regional.safety.specialist.or.
regional.manger,.the.name.of.that.employee’s.general.
foreman.will.be.entered.into.a.“General.Foreman.of.the.
Week”.contest ..Each.week,.one.winner.will.be.drawn.
and.receive.a.$250.gift.card!
. At.the.end.of.the.month,.the.weekly.winners.for.
the.month.will.be.reviewed.and.given.a.performance.
evaluation.by.a.designated.team.of.senior.management
..The.general.foreman.with.the.highest.score.will.
be.selected.for.the.“General.Foreman.of.the.Month”.
award ..This.prestigious.award.consists.of.a.$1,000.gift.
card.and.a.personalized.trophy.as.a.lasting.tribute.of.
outstanding.job.performance .
. This.all.leads.up.to.the.selection.of.a.“General.Foreman.
of.the.Year”.award,.which.will.be.determined.in.January.
2008 ..At.this.time,.all.monthly.winners.for.2007.will.again.
be.evaluated.and.voted.on.to.determine.the.most.deserving.candidate
..The.winner.will.receive.a.$5,000.shopping.
card.and.a.personalized.plaque.to.proudly.display!
. Many.in.this.industry.understand.that.the.general.
foreman.has.one.of.the.most.challenging.jobs.in.the.
company ..Nelson.Tree’s.hope.in.developing.this.
program.is.to.give.these.hardworking.individuals.the.recognition.they.
deserve,.and.to.highlight.the.best.of.
the.best!
Safety & Professionalism…
It’s the Basics!
Know It, Believe It, Practice It
Approximately two years ago, members of Nelson Tree
management were challenged to develop a statement
that embodied the standards and principles of our
company. Their effort resulted in six simple, yet powerful
words that conveyed Nelson Tree’s vision statement;
Safety and professionalism … it’s the basics!
Safety
The safety of each and every employee is our highest
priority. Nelson Tree constantly strives to improve
and refine programs that promote safety. No accident,
however minor, is acceptable. All employees
should embrace our primary principle – all injuries
are preventable!
Professionalism
Nelson Tree’s highly trained, skilled workforce carries
out a difficult and crucial job, which supports our
nation’s infrastructure. Whether dealing with a difficult
homeowner to working with customers and vendors,
professionalism must never be compromised.
Our reputation as a “professional” contractor is what
continues to set us apart from our competitors.
It’s the Basics
This is a direct nod to the “Basics” programs that
have revolutionized safety in our company by eliminating
difficult gray areas that had been present
in the past. Back to Basics II (B2B2) and Back to
Basics Equipment (B2BE) define simple safety rules
that set the benchmark for how things are to be
done. These rules apply every time all the time.
Nelson Tree Service regards a safety-minded and
professional workforce as one of the greatest
contributing factors to our company’s continued,
long-term success. There is nothing more important
than safety and professionalism. When employees
uphold these two core values, everything else falls
into place.
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R ecently,.Nelson.Tree.Service.was.awarded.Quality.
Vegetation.Management.(QVM).status.by.BASF ..
This.designation.is.for.professional.organizations.that.
adhere.to.stringent.guidelines.defined.in.the.program .
. Throughout.the.2007.summer.spray.season,.Nelson.
April 16, 2007
Nelson Tree Service
3300 Office Park Drive
Dayton, OH 45439
N E W S F RO M T H E F I E L D
Nelson Tree Achieves QVM Status
BASF is pleased to recognize Nelson Tree as a QVM Certified Applicator for 2007. The QVM
Certified designation recognizes chemical application companies that demonstrate superior
vegetation management practices and make a daily commitment to the Quality Vegetation
Management (QVM) principals. Those who practice QVM are professionals who:
• Restore and improve plant, animal and human habitats
• Seek out and support professional certification and technical training
• Strive to always make a positive environmental change
• Apply herbicide responsibly, using the appropriate amount to achieve desired results
• Protect threatened and endangered species
• Support industry research and development
• Follow label recommendations
QVM Certified Applicators have achieved a higher level of business standards within our
chemical application industry. In addition, QVM Certified Applicators are trained and have a
formal safety program in place.
Nelson Tree has completed and passed the QVM Certified Applicator online training. The
training incorporated nine courses covering QVM practices and principals, safety and protection,
herbicide characteristics, herbicide labels, mixing and calibrating and use of BASF herbicides. A
score of 80% or better was required to pass the training.
The process to become a QVM Certified Applicator is not easy to accomplish – the time and
effort Nelson Tree put into becoming QVM Certified shows their commitment to the highest standard
in vegetation management.
Sincerely,
Mary Parker, Marketing Associate
BASF Professional Vegetation Management
will.be.working.on.various.QVM.projects.in.cooperation.
with.several.utility.partners ..These.partners.will.then.submit.their.efforts.to.the.Project.Habitat.awards.program
.
. Congratulations.to.everyone.at.Nelson.who.helped.
achieve.this.prestigious.recognition .

Doug Smith
Protect climbing spikes by inserting a 2"
piece of old hose (water, air or old hydraulic
hose) over the spike when not in use.
Matt Knisley
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In the mornings and evenings
at the pullouts, I randomly pull pre-/postinspection
books off of the trucks to verify
that crewleaders are properly completing
the forms. This audit is to ensure crews
are not only filling out the forms but also
marking any defects. When safety personnel
or I actually perform an inspection
on the truck, one of the primary concerns
is undocumented defects.
N E W S F RO M T H E F I E L D
Tim Sheppard
On transmission work, our ground saws
are real workhorses, cutting brush all day
long. With the preventative maintenance
program my crews have implemented,
I’m getting about six years of use out of
my ground saws. On a yearly basis, or
when you can no longer properly adjust
the saw, either myself or one of my guys
pulls apart the carburetor and we replace
parts with a carburetor rebuild kit.
This is very easy to do and only 3
costs about $18.00. Additionally,
I make sure my fuel filters are changed
on a regular basis. These filters cost
around $3.00. A cheap investment for
the longevity I’m getting from these saws.
GF Helpful Hints
Submitted by Region 460
Our debut of GF Helpful Hints in the previous LifeLine
received so much positive feedback that we challenged Region
460 General Foremen to submit their best tips and hints for
making the workday safer, smoother, and more productive!
Our five contributors each received a $50 Wal-Mart gift
card for their efforts. Thank you, gentlemen, for taking the time
to share your knowledge and experience with your co-workers!
Ray Stagge
When chipping brush that is thorny or
from a fruit tree, keep a six-foot stick of
good wood handy for pushing the brush.
Even with long sleeves and gloves, those
thorns and fruit tree branches can really
tear you up when chipping.
Dave Culbertson
To help prevent tangled throw lines,
wrap your line around a stick that is a
few inches long. When the throw line is
needed, simply unwind how much you
want to use. Then, just rewind the line
when you’re done with it.
Meeting Recognizes Outstanding Crewleaders
R ecently,.Nelson.Tree.held.a.
meeting.for.all.crewleaders.and.
prospective.crewleaders.working.on.
Indiana.REMC.contracts .
. Guy.Daines,.Regional.Manager,.
with.assistance.from.regional.safety.
specialist,.Bob.Craner,.supervisor,.
Grant.Holder,.and.general.foreman,.Mike.Franklin,.conducted.the.meeting,.which.covered.an.array.of.safety.and.operational.topics.from.fuel.cost.
to.a.decision-driving.course .
. Crewleaders,.David.O’Dea,.Adam.Puckett,.Dale.Schoettmer,.and..
James.Snyder.were.awarded.Wal-Mart.gift.cards.for.outstanding.effort.
and.performance .
4
5
From left:
Adam Puckett – Outstanding job site set-up,
Dale Schoettmer – Outstanding employee training,
David O’Dea – Outstanding boom inspections,
James Snyder – Outstanding job briefings
9

1 0
Arbor Day 2007
I n.honor.of.Arbor.Day,.generally.recognized.as.the.
day.to.plant.trees,.Nelson.Tree.Service.partnered.
with.several.utility.customers.to.participate.in.community.beautification.projects
.
Kansas City Power & Light
. Nelson.Tree.Supervisor,.Anthony.Herrera,.and.General.Foremen,.Kyle.Baur,.Scott.Hoyt.and.Jeff.Ziebell,.
braved.Good.Friday’s.cold.weather.to.assist.Kansas.
City.Power.&.Light.(KCP&L).and.the.City.of.Kansas.
City,.Missouri,.with.the.planting.of.57.large.shade.
trees.in.Ashland.Square.Park ..Also.in.attendance.were.
Sue.Hancock,.KCP&L.Senior.Contract.Administrator,.
and.ECI.management.staff.and.work.planners .
. “In.spite.of.the.cold.weather.we.were.warmed.by.
our.contribution.to.the.community.where.we.live.and.
work,”.commented.Anthony .
Public Service Electric & Gas Company
. Nelson.Tree.Manager,.Bob.Turner.Jr .,.and.employees.of.PSE&G.assisted.with.the.planting.of.a.variety.of.
cherry.trees.at.Sunset.Lake.in.Asbury.Park,.New.Jersey ..
Over.400.volunteers,.including.young.people.with.the.
Trenton.Youth.Corps,.arrived.from.towns.and.cities.
across.the.state.as.early.as.8:00.a .m ..to.help.plant.the.
100.trees.around.the.lake .
N E W S F RO M T H E F I E L D
From left: PSE&G
Manager, Vegetation
Management, Rich
Wolowicz, Nelson Tree
Manager, Bob Turner
Jr., and PSE&G Division
Foresters, Mike
Kozlowski and Bob
Hagglund
Nelson Tree Service and KCP&L volunteers pitch in to “green up” Ashland
Square Park. The 12-acre park contained a ball field and playground equipment,
but only five trees.
Pimp My Ride?
Management Staff Face Strong Consequences for an
At-Fault Accident!
Field employees are expected to adhere to many safety
regulations with zero tolerance. Non-compliance with these
regulations can result in stiff penalties. The purpose of these
consequences is to help ensure that Nelson Tree remains
one of the safest contractors in the industry.
Field staff may find it interesting to know that Nelson
Tree management also face penalties for safety infractions.
Lou Nekola recently came up with an interesting plan to
encourage management employees to adhere to Nelson
Tree’s rules and policies for driving a company vehicle. His
plan places any management employee who is involved in
an at-fault accident behind the wheel of the hideously pink
Taurus pictured here! This policy applies to everyone from
a general foreman up to and including the President of
Nelson Tree Service.
Everyone can be certain that this vehicle has created a
lot of buzz! Many management personnel have commented
that when driving under difficult conditions, they think
of the pink Taurus. Their commitment to practicing the
principles of decision driving were immediately reinforced!

Career Day
W hen.Dominick.Zola.asked.
his.dad,.Don.Zola,.if.he.
would.come.to.his.school.and.talk.
about.his.job.for.career.day,.Don.
was.proud.to.agree .
. “My.son.came.home.with.a.paper.
from.his.school,”.explained.Don ..
“The.school.administration.was.
calling.on.professionals.from.the.
community.to.come.in.and.talk.to.
the.kids.about.their.careers .”
. Don,.a.general.foreman.on..
AmerenIP.property,.addressed.Mt ..
Zion.Intermediate.School.fourth.graders,.who.proved.to.be.very.inquisitive
.
. “The.kids.were.really.attentive.
and.asked.a.lot.of.great.questions,”.
reflected.Don ..“It.was.actually.very.
interesting.for.me.as.well .”
. Don.brought.in.a.climbing.
saddle.and.showed.how.it.was.worn.
and.explained.the.business.of.line.
clearance.tree.trimming .
Region 466 recently bid Ron Gober
Sr. a fond farewell. Ron, a crewleader
on Ameren property, retired after 36
years of service.
Ron served in the United States Army
from 1966 to 1968, then spent three
N E W S F RO M T H E F I E L D
. “I.discussed.the.dangers.of.electricity.with.the.kids.and.how.they.needed.to.be.careful.when.climbing.trees,”.said.Don
..“I.also.showed.
them.pictures.of.storm.damage.
from.Katrina.and,.most.recently,.a.
ferocious.ice.storm.that.struck.our.
community.December.1,.2006 .”
. The.students.were.impressed.
to.discover.that.Dominick’s.dad.
was.involved.in.such.exciting.and.
dangerous.work .
. “Dominick.knows.
what.it.means.for.me.
to.be.out.performing.
storm.work,”.said.
Don ..“I’m.called.out,.
usually.late.at.night,.
and.don’t.come.home.
for.days.because.I’m.
helping.to.get.people’s.power.back.on
..
Dominick.is.proud.of.
the.work.that.I.do .”
36 years of service
Ron Gober Sr. Retires
years working in a St. Louis packing house,
before starting his line clearance career.
“My brother, Mike, was working as a
trimmer on Ameren property,” recalled
Ron. “He told me about a job opening
with the company.”
That sharing of information would
mark a turning point in Ron’s life. He began
working as a line clearance professional
on March 21, 1971, and “the rest
is history,” as the old saying goes.
When asked about the changes he
has seen in the industry over the course
of his 36 years of service, Ron quickly
points to improvements in safety.
. The.fourth.grade.students.at.
Mt ..Zion.Intermediate.School.are.
also.proud.of.their.classmate’s.dad .
. “The.students.thought.it.was.
cool.that.I.played.such.an.important.role.in.their.neighborhood,”.
said.Don ..“Just.like.a.policeman.
or.fireman ..They.really.made.me.
feel.special.and.I.could.have.easily.
spent.the.entire.day.talking.shop.
with.them .”
Mrs. Beard’s fourth grade class (Dominick is the second student from
the right, first row)
When asked what he is not going to
miss about the workday, Ron responded,
“Driving to and from the lot!”
As far as his plans for retirement go,
Ron simply says, “golf and fish.”
Ron and his wife, Suzie, have two
children. Their son, Ron Gober Jr., is
following in dad’s footsteps and currently
works for Nelson Tree Service on Ameren
property. Daughter, Jamie, is a student
at the University of Missouri. Ron is also
the proud grandpa of Jadie Gober.
Nelson Tree wishes Ron the best as he
enters those carefree days of retirement!
1 1

1 2
Trees for Training
W hen.the.Lorain,.Ohio,.National.Guard.Armory.
requested.assistance.with.its.disaster.preparedness.program,.Nelson.Tree.Service.was.more.than.
willing.to.help .
. “The.Armory.contacted.us.with.the.hope.that.we.
would.be.able.to.provide.them.with.logs.for.their.
soldiers.to.use.in.disaster.relief.training.exercises,”.
explained.Nelson.Tree.Supervisor,.Bud.Carpenter .
Bud.worked.with.First.Sergeant,.Jimmy.Slick,.to.
ensure.the.Armory.had.the.necessary.materials.to.
instruct.30.soldiers.in.proper.and.“realistic”..
chainsaw.operation .
. “Instead.of.going.through.the.motions.and.‘pretending’.like.they’d.had.to.do.in.past.training.scenarios,”.said.Bud,.“Sergeant.Slick.and.his.superiors.
thought.it.would.be.beneficial.if.the.troops.could.
work.with.real.logs,.so.they.called.us .”
. Bud.met.with.Sergeant.Slick.and.general.foreman,.
Don.McKillips,.to.coordinate.delivery.of.the.logs .
Meet Grover...
General foreman, Richey Tillett, submitted this photo
of “Grover.” The bear was carved by a Huntsville
Utilities customer who requested that a large section
of the tree remain from a removal.
N E W S F RO M T H E F I E L D
. “Originally,.Don.and.his.crew.were.going.to.deliver.
the.logs,.but.his.material.ended.up.being.moved,”.
commented.Bud ..“Fortunately,.general.foreman,.Nick.
Seggie,.had.crews.in.the.Cleveland.area.who.were.moving.wood.and.log.material.off.of.a.line.they’d.been.
working,.and.we.arranged.for.crewleader,.Sean..
Hudson,.to.deliver.the.logs.to.Sergeant.Slick .”
. Bud.and.Don.did.more.than.just.obtain.logs.for.the.
soldiers ..They.both.took.the.time.to.meet.personally.
with.Sergeant.Slick.and.discuss.chainsaw.operating.
guidelines.and.other.safety.issues .
. “We.provided.Sergeant.Slick.with.literature.that.included.storm.response.information.and.articles,”.said.
Bud ..“Nelson.Tree.also.donated.several.pairs.of.chaps.
for.the.training.exercise ..All.in.all,.it.was.a.win/win.
situation ..We.needed.to.dispose.of.log.debris.and.the.
Armory.had.a.need!”
To: Bud Carpenter, Supervisor
Nelson Tree Service, Inc.
From: Jacob Miracle, 2LT
U.S. Army
I would like to thank you for your support and willingness to
donate some trees for our training aids. The materials you
provided worked out great! Every one of our soldiers were
able to make several passes with the chainsaws. They had
some great training and were able to utilize equipment that
some had never used before.
Thank you again for your time and services. Without your help
this training weekend would have been the same as the last
three years – without any practical exercises and a boring
walkthrough of "this is what it would be like if you were to cut
up a downed tree."

F O C U S O N S A F E T Y
Pre-/Post-Trip Inspections
by Bill Carney, Corporate Compliance Specialist
A t.least.once.a.year,.the.
LifeLine.features.an.
article.discussing.pre-.and.
post-trip.inspections ..One.
reason.for.this.repetition.is.
that.this.procedure.is.law ..
You.must.perform.and.document.this.process.on.a.daily.
basis ..It.is.unacceptable.to.
jeopardize.the.public.by.allowing.trucks.on.the.road.
that.are.borderline.safe .
. There.is.an.on.going.struggle.to.make.the..
pre-/post-trip.inspection.process.more.simplified.and.
easier.to.remember ..I.am.here.to.tell.you.the.process.is.
what.it.is.and.there.is.no.room.for.shortcuts .
. I.know.this.is.one.of.those.things.you.may.not.enjoy.
doing,.but.let’s.face.it.….the.safety.consequences.leave.
no.room.for.compromise ..All.of.us.have.heard.terrible.
stories.about.accidents.stemming.from.a.mechanical.defect,.and.how.the.driver.was.ultimately.held.responsible
..
. Your.responsibility.starts.with.inspecting.the.truck.
and.documenting.and.communicating.any.defects.to.
your.supervisor ..From.that.point,.it.is.management’s.
responsibility.to.make.the.repairs ..If.the.repairs.are.
not.made,.and.you.know.that.the.defect.is.a.critical.
safety.concern,.you.have.the.right.to.refuse.to.take.the.
truck.out .
. In.my.travels,.I.hear.there.is.still.confusion.as.to.the.
best.way.to.approach.a.pre-/post-trip.inspection ..My.
best.advise.is.to.consider.the.pre-/post-trip.inspection.
book.and.remember.the.pre-trip.inspection.you.were.
required.to.complete.to.earn.your.CDL .
. To.quote.our.Safety.Director,.Jim.Craner,.“Consider.
our.company.vision,.‘Safety.and.professionalism.….it’s.
the.basics .’.Pre-.and.post-trip.inspections.are.very.basic.
and.there.is.real.value.in.inspecting.a.vehicle.before.
taking.it.on.the.roadway ..Consider.it.an.investment.in.
yourself,.your.co-workers.and.those.you.share.the.roadway.with
.”
Here.are.some.items.for.you.to.consider.and.look.for.
as.you.are.doing.the.inspection:
1. Begin by standing in front of the truck.
FRONT OF VEHICLE
LEAKS OR LEANS - Starting at the front of the vehicle,
bend down and look for any leaks under the vehicle.
If you have a leak, chances are you will see a pool or
puddle under the vehicle. If the truck is leaning to one
side or the other you may have a broken spring or tire
that needs attention.
HEADLIGHTS - Should be clean and not broken.
OVERHEAD PLATFORM - Should be properly attached by its
bolts and clear of debris.
CONE HOLDER - Should be properly attached and latched.
FRONT AXLE
TIRES - Inflation, condition and depth are what you are
looking for.
RIMS - must be free of dents, repair welds, or cracks.
LUG NUTS - Should not be broken, loose or missing
– look for rust to indicate a loose nut.
HUB - Packed in grease and will ooze if you have a leak.
1 3

1 4
2. Now open the hood.
FRONT SUSPENSION
SPRINGS - Should be checked closely. If you don’t grease
the fittings here, they can crack and twist into the wheel
causing you to lose control of the vehicle.
SHOCKS - Should not be leaking, bent or dented.
FRONT BRAKES
BRAKE LINES - Should be checked for leaks and
that they are properly attached.
ROTOR - Free of mud or debris, check for cracks,
separations or very thin.
PADS - Check for thickness or separations.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
BATTERY BOX - Located under the passenger steps, check to
see it is mounted and latched.
ALTERNATOR - Should be properly attached and the same
goes for its wires.
WATER PUMP - It is in the front center of the engine,
check for leaks.
FAN BELTS - Should be snug, not worn or split.
FLUIDS - This is one of the most important aspects of your
inspection. Check that all fluids are at the designated full
level. Look closely for any frayed, cracked or leaking hoses.
STEERING LINKAGE, PITMAN ARM & DRAG LINK - Should
be free of debris and not bent or twisted.
F O C U S O N S A F E T Y
3. From the engine compartment, move to
the driver's door.
DRIVER/FUEL AREA
MIRROR & MIRROR MOUNT - Should be properly
attached and free of debris.
DOOR LATCH - Should work properly and the door should
seal when closed.
FUEL TANK - Cannot be dented or leaking and the bolts
and straps should be properly attached.
FUEL CAP - Must be tightened and not dented
or leaking.
STEPS - Steps are the number one place drivers are
injured. They must be properly attached and free
of debris.
CATWALK - Must be free of debris.
BOOM & STRAP - Should be latched and not frayed or
loose. The boom itself must be in its cradle.

4. Now you will move under the vehicle.
IMPORTANT!! MAKE SURE THE TRUCK'S PARKING
BRAKE AND BOTH WHEEL CHOCKS ARE DOWN
BEFORE GOING UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE KEYS TO
THE TRUCK SHOULD ALSO BE IN YOUR POCKET
BEFORE GOING UNDER THE TRUCK.
UNDER VEHICLE
EXHAUST SYSTEM - Look for any soot that would indicate a
leak. Bolts, u-bolts, and clamps should all be tight.
DRIVE SHAFT & UNIVERSAL JOINT - This should not be
bent or have any debris touching it.
FRAME & CROSS BEAMS - Should not be bent and bolts
and u-bolts must all be tight.
REAR AXEL, SUSPENSION & BRAKES - The same process
for the front has to be repeated in the rear.
5. Move to the back of the truck.
REAR OF VEHICLE
DOORS & TIES - Must all be latched.
PINTLE HOOK - Should be properly attached by its bolts
and not loose. Regularly grease both front and rear fittings.
TAILGATE - Should be properly latched. Check its hinges
to see they are properly attached.
LIGHTS & REFLECTORS - Make sure all are free of debris
(both on the truck and chipper). Have someone in the
cab turn on your left and right turn signals, haz-
ards, brake lights, running lights, strobes, and
back up lights. When completing this process,
also walk around the vehicle to check other lights.
ELECTRICAL PIGTAIL CONNECTOR - Connect wiring to
chipper controlling lights and brakes. Should be properly
attached, free from corrosion, and frayed wiring.
EMERGENCY BREAKAWAY CABLE - Line to chipper should
be properly attached and not twisted. Chains need to be
crossed with not too much slack that they drag and the
hooks should be facing inward.
CHIPPER CHUTE & LOCKING PIN - Must be in up position
with the pin secured and the locking ring in the down position.
F O C U S O N S A F E T Y
6. Finally move inside the cab.
INSIDE THE CAB
SAFE START - Check that parking brake is on. Depress
clutch and put in neutral—turn key.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE - Rises to a safe level.
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE - Rises to a safe level.
VOLT METER - Registers a charge, indicating the alternator
is working.
LIGHTING INDICATORS - Left, right, hazards, brights, and
dash display works.
ABS INDICATOR LIGHT - As unit is started, the light comes
on for a short period of time, but should not remain on when
unit is in use.
HORN - Works properly.
STEERING WHEEL - Less than 10 degrees of play.
HEATER & DEFROSTER - Works properly.
WINDSHIELD & SIDE WINDOWS - Clean and not cracked.
MIRRORS - Clean and adjusted to you.
WIPERS & WASHING FLUID DISPENSER - Works properly.
PARKING BRAKE - Place truck in gear and attempt to
move (it should have a tough time moving).
SERVICE BRAKE - Place truck in gear and pull up five feet
and hit the brake. It should not pull to either side.
BRAKE LEAK CHECK - With the key off, pump the brakes
three times and hold. It should not move.
SAFETY BELT - In place and working properly.
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT - Fire extinguisher must be
fully charged, three (3) safety triangles in good condition,
appropriate Nelson DOT kit, spill kit, and a First Aid Kit
all filled as required.
If you feel I have
omitted anything,
contact me at william.
carney@nelsontree.
com. I’d love to hear
from you!
1 5

1 6
F O C U S O N S A F E T Y
Job Briefings & New Job Briefing Policy
by Jim Craner, Safety Director
Have you ever wondered why some crews
just seem to “click?” How everybody and
everything just seems to work in unison, with
no wasted moves and no wasted energy? This
is the type of crew that is truly a joy to observe,
study, and learn from. Generally, when the crew
is interviewed, one thing becomes clear; the job
began with a detailed job briefing.
While OSHA and ANSI require a job briefing to be held at
each job site, and again anytime hazards change significantly,
the true professional knows a job briefing does much more
than meet a requirement. A good crewleader knows the value
of a ten-minute discussion before beginning work. This is the
crewleader who will organize the crew and direct everyone
toward the finished product even if standards did not mandate
doing so. Job briefings in the line clearance industry
require us to discuss:
Voltage identification and energy source controls
Determining.voltage.is.important.because.that.information.is.used.to.determine.minimum.approach.
distances ..Although.it.may.be.difficult.to.identify.
the.exact.voltage.without.some.type.of.reference,.line.
clearance.tree.trimmers.must.NEVER.compromise.such.
a.critical.safety.requirement!.Many.utilities.utilize.a.
number.system.on.circuit.maps.that.will.identify.circuit.voltages..In.some.cases,.the.experienced.crewleader.can.determine.the.voltage.by.looking.at.a.variety.of.
sources.such.as.the.construction,.transformers,.line.
size,.or.insulator.size ..In.cases.where.crews.are.not.sure.
of.voltage,.the.utility.will.typically.provide.this.information.upon.request
.
Hazards of the job and special precautions
Hazards.and.special.precautions.go.hand.in.hand ..
Thoroughly.identifying.these.components.during.the.
job.briefing.will.go.a.long.way.towards.reducing.injury.
rates ..Once.a.crew.identifies.a.hazard,.they.must.take.
special.precautions.to.avoid.or.eliminate.the.hazard ..
This.may.sound.complicated,.but.it.is.a.very.direct.
process.that.consists.of.taking.some.pre-job.actions ..
Tripping.hazards,.such.as.a.hole,.can.be.addressed.by.
simply.placing.a.log.in.the.hole.to.make.it.more..
visible ..All.too.often.crews.identify.the.
hazard.and.fail.to.take.appropriate.precautionary.steps...Improving.this.component.of.our.briefings.will.immediately.
begin.to.reduce.injury.rates .
. Many.hazards.are.addressed.by.making.safety.a.habit
..For.instance,.getting.
into.the.habit.of.properly.setting.up.a.job.
site.eliminates.hazards.by.protecting.traffic.and.the.
public.entering.the.work.zone ..Putting.on.PPE,.placing.a.wheel.chock,.and.voice.command.and.response.
systems.are.all.safe.working.habits.that.protect.us.
from.the.hazards.of.the.job .
Work procedures and job assignment
Work.procedures.and.work.assignments.address.the.
who,.how,.when.of.a.job ..“Who”.will.be.carrying.out.
the.task?.“How”.will.the.task.be.completed?.“When”.
will.the.task.be.completed.in.relationship.to.other.
tasks.required.to.complete.the.job?
. Don’t.fall.short.when.it.comes.to.addressing.these.
details!.Never.take.work.assignments.and.the.progression.of.a.job.for.granted
..No.matter.how.long.a.crew.
has.been.working.together,.never.assume.everyone.
knows.what.everyone.else.is.responsible.for!.Assumptions.can.be.deadly
.
Personal protective equipment requirements
Proper.use.of.personal.protective.equipment.has..
prevented.many.injuries.and.saved.lives ..Tree.work..
is.full.of.unexpected.surprises;.PPE.is.a.great.first..
line.of.defense .
. As a crew leader you are required to conduct a job
briefing. The challenge is to go beyond just meeting a requirement.
Involve all crewmembers in the discussion. Ask questions
to make sure everyone understands the job before them.
Have your crew repeat your instructions back to you. Let a
trimmer trainee conduct a briefing occasionally. Be creative,
but never be lackadaisical. Crews who take the job briefing
requirement seriously can cover these topics effectively and
thoroughly in a short period of time. Like anything else we do
repeatedly, we get better and better each time!

B eginning.in.June.2007,.Nelson.Tree.Service.is.adopting.a.new.job.briefing.policy.and.documentation.
form ..The.purpose.of.the.new.policy.is.to.ensure.crews.are.
BEFORE ANY WORK IS STARTED
Perform a detailed hazard assessment: The Crew Foreperson (or employee
in charge) is responsible for surveying the work location in order to identify
any and all hazards that could injure an employee.
Perform the required Job Briefing: The Crew Foreperson must conduct a
job briefing with all employees involved before they start each job. The
briefing shall cover at least the following items (steps):
1. Voltage-Energy Source Controls (e.g. know the min. approach
distance, outage procedures, storm work procedures, etc.)
2. Hazards associated with the job (e.g. manual and bucket
work, work zone set-up, dogs in a yard, wind, vines, over
hangs, tree conditions, ground conditions, etc.)
3. Special precautions (e.g. emergency medical service,
storm work procedures, vines, roping, use of local
authorities for customer issues, etc.)
4. Work procedures/assignments involved (Describe in detail
- equipment and tools to be used, work sequence and specific
procedures, who will do what, who is in charge, and verify that
everyone understands what role they are going to play.)
5. Personal protective equipment requirements (e.g. safety
glasses, hard hats, etc.)
Document the Job Briefing: This shall be performed on paper, with a
pen or pencil on the job briefing form provided by Nelson Tree Service.
The Crew Foreperson shall sign and each employee on the crew shall
initial. Completed forms shall be turned into your general foreperson
and returned to the Dayton office each week.
F O C U S O N S A F E T Y
J O B B R I E F I N G P O L I C Y
focusing.on.the.tasks.at.hand.each.morning.and.again.
following.the.lunch.breaks ..The.requirement.to.complete.
a.new.briefing.when.hazards.change.is.still.in.effect .
.Failure.to.take.time.to.conduct.another.briefing.
when.hazards.change.significantly.can.set.a.crew.
up.for.disaster ..For.example,.when.removing.a.
tree,.the.crew.conducts.a.briefing.to.cover.the.
removal.operation ..However,.during.the.felling.
operation.a.large.portion.of.the.tree.becomes.
lodged.into.another.tree ..This.is.now.a.new.
hazard,.which.the.crew.must.address ..Other.
examples.that.would.require.additional.
briefings.may.be.a.significant.increase.in.
traffic,.assignment.of.a.new.crewmember,.
discovery.of.a.nest.of.bees,.or.a.removal.
request.by.a.property.owner.when.only.a.
trim.was.planned ..The.list.could.go.on,.
the.point.is.when.things.change,.regroup.
and.get.everyone.on.the.job.aligned.with.the.new.plan .
NUMBER OF BRIEFINGS
The specific number of job briefings cannot randomly be assigned
without full knowledge of each job. However, the following guidelines
shall apply:
Normal Work: There shall be at least two (2) written job briefings each
day in which work tasks are the same throughout the day. These shall occur
once before beginning any work at the start of the day or shift, AND
again after mid-day lunch or break.
Note: The 2nd job briefing will be documented on the same form in
the location designated for #2 briefing, and each employee will reinitial
the form.
Significant Work Task Change: An additional job briefing shall be
conducted if significant changes, which might affect the safety of the
employees, occur during the course of the work.
Note: The 2nd job briefing may use the same written form as earlier in
the day; however, the new hazard shall be documented.
Storm or Emergency Work: A new job briefing shall be conducted for
each new job site before work tasks begin.
EXTENT OF BRIEFINGS
Each job briefing shall review the min. five (5) steps as outlined above.
WORKING ALONE
An employee working alone and performing a work task shall complete
a documented job briefing to ensure that all aspects of safety have
been identified and addressed.
1 7

1 8
F O C U S O N S A F E T Y
Summer Safety Tips
by Joe Proko, Safety Specialist, Region 463
SUMMER HAZARD 1: Heat Illness
. Sun.and.heat.can.pose.several.serious.
health.risks.from.painful.sunburns.to.
potentially.deadly.heat-related.illnesses.
such.as.heat.stroke .
. Dehydration.is.the.common.denominator.in.all.heat-related.illness
..During.heat.
illness,.the.body's.cooling.system.shuts.down ..Body.
temperature.goes.up,.which.inhibits.the.ability.to.sweat .
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
• Excessive thirst
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Low fever
• Cramps in the
• Agitation
legs or abdomen
• Disorientation
• Dizziness
• Drenching sweats,
• Headache
with cold, clammy skin
. Left.untreated,.heat.exhaustion.can.progress.to.
heat.stroke ..Heat.stroke.is.a.life-threatening.emergency.that.requires.immediate.medical.attention!
. If.you.see.someone.experiencing.heat.illness,.have..
the.person.stop.all.activity,.lie.down.in.a.cool.place.
and.elevate.the.legs ..Use.water,.wet.towels,.and.fanning.to.help.cool.the.person.down
..If.their.condition.
doesn’t.improve.quickly,.seek.medical.attention .
What you can do:
. To.prevent.dehydration,.drink.plenty.of.fluids.
even.if.you’re.not.thirsty!.Always.make.sure.you.are.
taking.in.more.fluid.than.you.are.losing ..
Water.is.always.your.best.option,.although.
there.are.some.sports.drinks.on.the.market.
that.will.effectively.restore.body.fluids ..
Soda.drinks.are.NOT.recommended ..Also,.
avoid.caffeine,.which.actually.dilates.the.
pores.in.your.skin.and.causes.you.to.dehydrate.quicker
..A.proper.diet.that.includes.
protein,.fruits.and.vegetables.also.goes.a.long.way.in.
helping.our.bodies.deal.with.the.heat .
SUMMER HAZARD 2: Insects
. Summer.heat.brings.an.assortment.of.crawling,.
flying.and.creeping.creatures.that.can.bring.a.whole.
new.danger.to.the.job.site ..Insects.like.ticks,.bees,.
mosquitoes,.spiders,.fire.ants,.wasps.and.hornets.
have.the.potential.to.be.a.real.nuisance .
. Usually,.bites.and.stings.can.be.easily.treated ..However,.it’s.important.to.watch.for.signs.of.allergic.reaction,.which.typically.happen.within.the.first.few.hours
..
Severe.reactions.may.occur.very.quickly,.often.within.
minutes ..These.severe.reactions.can.be.fatal.if.untreated ..
Call.911.immediately.if.one.of.your.coworkers.is.bitten.
or.stung.and.has.trouble.breathing.or.goes.into.shock .
Always report any bite or sting to your supervisor.
What you can do:
. To.keep.bees.away,.avoid.scented.soaps.and.cologne ..
Don't.leave.food,.drinks,.and.garbage.out.uncovered .
Treat.a.bee.sting.by.scraping.the.stinger.away.in.a.sideto-side.motion.with.a.credit.card.or.fingernail,.and.
then.washing.the.area.with.soap.and.water ..Pulling.
the.stinger.or.using.tweezers.may.push.more.venom.
into.the.skin ..For.any.bug.bite.or.sting,.ice.or.a.cold.
compress.and.over-the-counter.pain-relieving.creams.
or.oral.medications.can.help .
. When.working.in.tick.habitats,.such.as.wooded.or.
grassy.areas,.wear.light-colored.clothing.so.that.ticks.
can.be.seen.more.easily.and.removed.before.they.bite .

To remove a tick that has latched on:
• Use fine-tipped tweezers, not your fingers. Do not apply
petroleum jelly, heat, or anything else to remove the tick.
• Grasp the tick as close to the wound as possible, and
pull gently, but firmly, straight back until the tick releases
its hold. Don’t squeeze the tick’s body, as this may cause
the tick to release bacterium into your body.
• Wash your hands and the bite site with soap and water
after tick removal. Wipe the area thoroughly with antiseptic
to reduce the likelihood of developing an infection.
• Dispose of the tick in rubbing alcohol or flushing down
the toilet if possible.
SUMMER HAZARD 3: Lightning
. Summertime.is.the.peak.season.for.a.deadly.
weather.phenomena.….lightening ..A.bolt.of.lightning.
can.travel.at.100,000.mph.and.reach.temperatures.
approaching.50,000°F,.hot.enough.to.fuse.soil.or.
turn.sand.into.glass!.Lightning.often.precedes.rain ..
In.fact,.many.people.are.struck.by.lightning.before.
and.after.the.rain.falls,.not.during ..So.don’t.wait.for.
the.rain.to.begin.before.suspending.activities .
What you can do:
. When.faced.with.a.decision.to.finish.trimming.
a.tree,.cleanup.a.yard,.or.take.shelter.from.an.approaching.storm,.always.make.the.safe.choice!.When.
you.first.see.lightning.or.hear.thunder,.activate.your.
emergency.plan.and.seek.shelter .
People who have been struck by lightning do not
carry an electrical charge and can be handled safely.
Apply first aid immediately, and get emergency help.
F O C U S O N S A F E T Y
Safe Shelters
• Fully enclosed metal vehicles with windows completely rolled up
• Substantial buildings
• Low ground (seek cover in clumps of bushes)
• Trees of uniform height (such as a forest)
Unsafe Shelters
• Solitary trees
• Open spaces
• High ground and caves
• Canopies
• Small picnic or rain shelters
• Avoid all outdoor metal objects, such as power poles, fences
and gates, high-mast light poles, metal bleachers, electrical
equipment, mowing and road machinery
If.lightning.is.striking.nearby.when.you.are.outside,.
you.should:
1 .. Put.at.least.15.feet.between.you.and.other.people .
2 .. Remove.metal.objects.(including.baseball.cap) ..Put..
. your.feet.together.and.crouch.down.low.in.a.baseball..
. catcher’s.stance ..Place.your.hands.on.your.knees .
Suspend.activities.for.30.minutes.after.the.last..
observed.lightning.or.thunder .
SUMMER HAZARD 4: Poisonous Plants
. Poisonous.plants,.such.as.poison.ivy,.oak,.and.
sumac.are.present.year.round.but.are.much.more..
accessible.and.potent.during.the.summer.months .
. These.plants.contain.allergy-causing.oils,.which.
causes.an.itchy.red.rash ..Learn.how.to.properly.identify.these.plants.in.all.seasons.since.their.appearance.
changes.according.to.the.season .
What you can do:
. If.you.do.come.into.contact.with.any.of.these.
plants,.rinse.the.exposed.area.immediately.in.cool.
water ..Use.an.ivy.wash.product.on.the.exposed.area.as.
soon.as.possible.to.prevent.an.outbreak .
. Don’t.be.beat.by.the.heat ..Keep.the.fun.in.your..
summer.by.taking.steps.to.avoid.heat-related.illness.
and.hazards!
1 9

2 0
F O C U S O N S A F E T Y
Accident Investigation Equals
Accident Prevention
by Ellie Schneider, Claims Manager
Nelson.Tree.Service,.Inc ..has.a.reputation.for.creating.a.safe.working.
environment.for.its.employees ..Every.employee.who.works.for.Nelson.contributes.
to.that.reputation ..Unfortunately,.when.
people,.equipment,.supplies,.or.surroundings.fail.to.behave.or.react.as.expected,.work.related.injuries.or.accidents.can.occur.in.even.the.safest.work.places
.
. When.an.employee.is.injured.on.the.job,.it.is.important.to.follow.the.correct.procedures
..As.covered.in.a.
proper.job.briefing.all.crewmembers.should.be.aware.
of.where.they.are.located,.and.how.to.access.help ..The.
top.priority.is.to.provide.ill.or.injured.employees.with.
prompt,.competent.first.aid.or.medical.care ..
. All.employees.must.report.injuries.or.illnesses.to.
their.crewleader.or.general.foreperson.immediately ..
Reporting.the.accident.right.away.ensures.employees.
An accident is any unplanned event that results in personal
injury or in property damage. When the personal injury
requires little or no treatment, it is minor. If it results in
a fatality or any form of disability, it is serious. Similarly,
property damage may be minor or serious. Investigate all
accidents regardless of the extent of injury or damage.
receive.the.most.appropriate.medical.care.and.allows.
for.the.facts.to.be.documented.while.still.fresh .
. Once.the.incident.or.accident.has.been.reported.
and.medical.treatment.has.been.determined.and.dispensed,.the.incident.or.accident.must.be.investigated
..
As.little.time.as.possible.should.be.lost.between.the.
moment.of.an.accident.or.near.miss.and.the.beginning.of.the.investigation
..This.prevents.disturbance.
of.evidence.and.identifies.witnesses .
. Accident.investigations.determine.not.only.what.
happened,.but.also.how.and.why.a.failure.occurred:.
they.should.always.be.conducted.with.accident..
prevention.in.mind ..Investigations.are.
NOT.to.place.blame ..The.information.
gained.from.these.investigations.can.
prevent.recurrence.of.similar.or.perhaps.
more.disastrous.accidents .
. The.crewleader,.general.foreperson,.
and.regional.safety.supervisor.conduct.
accident.investigations ..Once.the.investigation.is.completed,.the.report.is.submitted.to.the.supervisor,.regional.manager,.corporate.safety.director,.and.claims.manager
.
. A.proper.investigation.involves.all.crewmembers.and.
in.some.cases.non-employees.who.were.present.at.the.
time ..From.the.injured.employee.to.others.who.were.on.
the.job.site,.everyone.involved.contributes.important.
information.required.for.the.investigation ..It.is.important.for.everyone.to.report.clear.facts.regarding.when,.
what,.where.and.how ..Many.times,.when.all.of.these.
facts.are.reviewed,.the.smallest.detail.
can.lead.to.an.important.revelation .
.....Remember,.the.purpose.of.accident.
investigation.is.not.to.place.blame ..
Determining.what.happened.and..
how.it.happened.will.go.a.long.way.
toward.preventing.future.accidents!

How to Conduct an Accident Investigation
Nelson Tree Service has provided all general forepersons with
a green canvas Accident Investigation Kit. This kit includes investigation
forms, marking paint, measuring tape, disposable
camera (which should be replaced as needed), and many
other useful items required to conduct the investigation.
• Get the facts and take notes
Be sure to provide and record all available information,
including whether you have first hand knowledge of the
accident. Gather as much information as possible
regarding the facts of the claim. Never destroy items
involved in an incident, such as a tree limb or rope.
Preserve any evidence.
• Pictures, drawings, sketches, & measurements
A disposable camera is provided in the accident investigation
kit. Take pictures of the accident scene as soon
as time permits. A picture can paint a thousand words,
as well as help jog your memory as time passes after an
accident occurred. Also, sketch the scene. Include
measurements and note all objects in the accident
scene (i.e. fence, tree, pole, ditch, etc.).
• Obtain statements from the injured employee and
any witnesses to the accident.
• Record the sequence of events that led to the accident.
Include the date, time, place or address.
• Record the extent of the injury and damage.
• Discuss and determine the cause.
• Discuss and determine the prevention for recurrence.
F O C U S O N S A F E T Y
Getting to know...
Scott Palmer
Safety Specialist, Region 472
began tree work
I soon after graduating
from high
school. The local
tree company that
I worked for was
small, and although
I was the crew
chief in charge of
residential jobs,
there really was
no consistent
work and I found it difficult to support my family. So, after
working in this field for 12 years, I decided to find a job with
more stability.
I took a job working in a local steel foundry and was
trained as a CNC machine operator. After five years working
there, I knew line work wasn’t for me. Besides, I heard the
trees calling me back.
At the time, my brothers-in-law were working for a line
clearance tree company called Nelson Tree Service and
I asked them if they were hiring. When I met with their
general foreman for an interview, I asked him to give me a
chance and hire me as a ground man. It meant a pay cut,
but it would take me back to the work that I loved.
Within a month, I had been promoted to crewleader, and
was once again climbing trees and flying in a bucket. I was
again promoted to general foreman, and most recently, accepted
the regional safety supervisor position for Region 472.
My wife, Jill, and I have been married for 18 years. We
have two sons, Josh, age 16, and Matt, age 11. In my spare
time I like to work side-by-side with my brothers-in-law, who
operate their own residential tree service on the weekends.
I like getting together with family and friends where I can
cook on my charcoal grill, sit around our campfire, and go
four-wheeling in our mud pit.
Now, and in the years to come, I am committed to making
Nelson Tree Service a place where safety is the number one
priority: A place where all employees have the opportunity to
succeed in a workplace free from all recognized hazards.
2 1

2 2
Chipper Brake Safety
P roper.chipper.hook-up.and.chipper.brakes.continue.to.be.an.on-going.training.topic.at.Nelson.Tree.
Service ..It.is.our.hope.that.focusing.on.this.important.
safety.topic.will.heighten.our.employees’.awareness.of.
proper.chipper.safety.procedures ..Many.of.us.heard.
about.the.recent.tragedy.that.transpired.in.Pennsylvania.when.a.private.trimmer.failed.to.properly.hook.up.
his.chipper ..Continuing.chipper.safety.education.will.
ensure.that.no.Nelson.Tree.employee.will.ever.be.in.
that.situation .
. Most.of.us.understand.that.properly.hooking.up.
the.chipper.with.mechanically.sound.pintle.hooks,.
safety.chains,.and.breakaway.switches.is.critical.to.safe.
chipper.operation ..But.many.of.us.don’t.realize.that.
the.chipper.braking.system.is.just.as.critical ..The.chipper.brakes.and.safety.features,.such.as.the.breakaway.
cable/switch,.are.an.important.added.safeguard.for.
preventing.an.accident .
Nelson Tree Service policy mandates that chipper brakes
and braking safety features are functional. Contact your
supervisor immediately regarding any chipper that does
not have a proper braking system.
. The.braking.system.is.an.electrical.system.that.consists.of.the.electronic.brake.controller,.wiring.systems,.
and.the.chipper.brakes.on.the.axles ..All.components.
must.be.hooked.up,.wired.and.adjusted.properly.for.
the.system.to.perform.as.designed .
Electronic Brake Controller
This.small.electronic.unit.is.mounted.under.the.dash.
of.almost.all.Nelson.Tree.Service.vehicles ..This.system.sends.a.signal.to.the.back.of.the.truck.where.the.
chipper.wiring.plugs.in ..This.electronic.signal.is.what.
causes.the.chipper.brakes.to.engage .
The Electronic Brake
Controller Unit is
located under the dash
of almost all Nelson
vehicles.
Electronic Brake Controller diagram
Bi-Colored Light – Illuminates with different colors to indicate power
connection and braking power being sent to the chipper.
Level Knob – Used to
adjust the braking
response, to control
harsh or ineffective
braking.
Breakaway Switch and Cable
This.system.is.a.safety.feature.that.causes.the.brakes.
to.lock.up.in.the.event.the.chipper.would.become.
detached.from.the.truck.when.moving.down.the.
highway ..The.cable.attaches.to.the.truck.pintle.with.
either.a.locking.pin.or.pad.lock ..The.breakaway.switch.
is.mounted.to.the.chipper ..The.breakaway.cable.clips.
into.the.switch ..Therefore,.if.the.truck.and.chipper.
become.separated,.the.clip.pulls.out.of.the.switch.and.
the.switch.sends.a.signal.to.the.brakes.and.causes.the.
chipper.brakes.to.lock.up ..If.the.clip.is.broken,.or.is..
. . . . the.wrong.style..
. . . . the.system..
A
. . . . will.not.work..
. . . . properly.and..
B
. . . . most.likely.the.
. . . .. brakes.will..
. . . . remain.locked .
C
The latch pin (A) provides a secure place of attachment
to the vehicle for the breakaway cable
(B). At the opposite end of the cable, a clip (C) is
inserted into the breakaway switch (D).
D
Power Knob – Used to
determine how much
power needs to be
sent to stop the towed
unit.
Manual Slide Knob – Pushing knob sends electrical
current to chipper brakes without putting your
foot on the truck’s brake pedal.
Always make sure you
have the proper clip for
your make of chipper.
This photo illustrates
the differences
between two makes.

Pigtail Connections
This.wiring.connector.is.located.on.the.truck.and.chipper.and.plugs.together
..This.wiring.controls.all.lights.
and.brakes.on.the.chipper ..Proper.and.accurate.wiring.
connections.are.critical.for.the.system.to.work.correctly ..
Many.times.adjustments.on.this.wiring.are.required.
when.combining.older.(green).equipment.with.newer.
(white).equipment .
Understanding the Pigtail Wiring Connection
In some cases mismatched equipment will require rewiring the
pigtail connection on the truck. Above, the faceplate of pigtail
junction is removed to expose the wiring and harness. Below, the
blue brake wire has been split using a butt connector and the
terminal ends reattached to the wiring harness. Employees not
familiar with wiring are encouraged to seek a qualified mechanic.
SETTING UP YOUR BRAKE 1CONTROLLER
Step 1
Leveling the Sensor
•. Connect.the.chipper.to.truck ..Bi-colored..
. light.should.glow.Green .
•. Set.power.knob.to.maximum.by.fully.rotating..
. clockwise.(toward.the.front.of.the.controller) .
•. Depress.truck’s.brake.pedal.and.hold .
•. Rotate.the.level.knob.counter-clockwise..
. (towards.the.back.of.the.controller).until.the..
. bi-colored.light.starts.to.change.colors.from..
. Green.to.Red .
•. Carefully.rotate.the.level.knob.clockwise.until..
. a.shade.of.orange.is.visible .
•. Release.brake.pedal .
2
Step 2
Adjusting the Power to the Chipper Brakes
•. Set.power.knob.to.12.o’clock.position .
•. Drive.truck.and.chipper.onto.a.dry.level..
. surface.at.25.MPH,.push.in.clutch,.and.apply..
. manual.slide.knob .
•. If.chipper.locks.up.–.Turn.power.down.using..
. power.knob.(rotate.counter-clockwise.toward..
. the.8.o’clock.position) .
•. If.braking.not.sufficient.–.Turn.power.up..
. using.power.knob.(rotate.clockwise.toward..
. the.5.o’clock.position) .
•. Repeat.Step.2.until.power.has.been.set.to.a..
. point.that.feels.like.correct.braking.action.is..
. being.achieved .
3
Step 3
Fine Tuning
•. Make.several.slow.(25.MPH).stops.as.if..
. coming.up.to.a.stop.sign.and.take.notice.of..
. how.the.chipper.brakes.respond:
If brakes grab too much:.You.have.an..
. aggressive.setting ..Correct.by.rotating.level.
. knob.clockwise,.towards.you .
If chipper tends to push truck:.You.have.a..
. delayed.setting.Correct.by.rotating.level.knob..
. counter-clockwise,.away.from.you .
. Repeat.until.desired.chipper.braking..
. is.achieved .
92
3

2 4
Chipper Brake Safety (continued)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
On.my.new.truck,.why.is.there.always.a.green.light.glowing.on.my.
brake.controller?
This.is.a.good.thing!.The.green.light.indicates.you.have.made.a.
connection.to.the.chipper.wiring ..Unfortunately,.older.style.brake.
controllers.do.not.have.this.feature .
When.I.touch.my.truck.brakes.the.indicator.light.goes.to.a.bright.
red.and.many.times.it.feels.like.the.chipper.brakes.are.locking.up ..
What’s.causing.this?
You.have.too.much.power.going.to.the.chipper.brakes ..The.light.
should.turn.an.orange.color.when.brakes.are.applied ..The.leveling.
and.power.knobs.need.adjusted ..See.complete.instructions.for.properly.setting.up.your.brake.controller.within.this.article
.
My.chipper.brakes.are.locked.up,.yet.it.appears.that.my.brake.controller.is.working.correctly.and.my.breakaway.cable.is.attached
.
First,.check.to.make.sure.the.clip.end.on.the.breakaway.cable.isn’t.
broken ..Also,.check.to.make.sure.the.correct.breakaway.cable.is.being.utilized
..Some.manufacturers.are.not.using.the.standard.brand.
that.Nelson.utilizes ..If.this.appears.to.be.the.case,.have.your.supervisor.order.a.replacement.breakaway.switch.and.cable.from.the.supply.
warehouse .
My.chipper.feels.like.it.is.pulling.to.the.left.or.right.when.I.apply..
the.brakes .
The.brake.drums.on.the.chipper.axle.may.need.adjusted:.a.qualified.
mechanic.must.make.this.adjustment .
How.can.I.test.my.chipper.brakes.to.make.sure.they.are..
engaging.properly?
This.is.best.done.at.the.pull.out.on.an.open,.level,.and.dry.area ..With.
the.chipper.attached.to.the.truck,.proceed.forward.at.a.speed.of.less.
than.25.MPH ..Push.in.the.clutch.and.allow.the.truck.to.roll,.then.
push.the.manual.slide.bar.on.the.brake.controller ..Listen.and.feel.for.
the.chipper.brakes.to.engage ..Brake.sensitivity.can.be.adjusted,.see.the.
“Adjusting.the.Power.to.the.Chipper.Brakes”.instructions.in.this.article .
My.chipper.brakes.are.not.engaging.properly .
Take.the.unit.to.a.qualified.mechanic.for.repairs .
Understanding the System
The breakaway switch is wired to the chipper
battery (seen above as the small red
wire). In the event of an actual breakaway,
the chipper battery provides the electrical
charge needed to apply the chipper brakes
and bring the unit to a stop. It is a good
idea to routinely check the battery terminal
connection and remove any corrosion.

Take the LifeLine Quick Quiz and win!
Simply read your LifeLine and answer these questions related
to articles in this issue. Cut out this page and mail it to the
address shown on the following page.
FOR THIS ISSUE ONLY EVERY CORRECT QUICK QUIZ ENTRY
WILL WIN A PAIR OF LEATHER WORK GLOVES! Then, from all
the entries submitted, three winners will be drawn and each
will receive a $100.00 Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club gift card.
?
4. What is Nelson Tree Service’s Vision Statement? (Fill in six words.)
Safety Programs – Page 6
1. The only way to win the large gift card pay outs in the Basics
Bonanza contest is to be awarded a grand prize entry ticket, AND
submit the ticket to be put in the drawing. (Circle your answer.)
True or False
2. Grand Prize Entry tickets must be post-marked no later than
____ /____ /2007, to be entered into the grand prize drawing
held on December 3, 2007. (Fill in date.)
Safety & Professionalism … It’s the Basics! – Page 7
3. Back to Basics rules apply every time all the time. (Circle your answer.)
True or False
5. Back to Basics II (B2B2) and Back to Basics Equipment (B2BE)
define simple safety rules that set the benchmark for how things
are to be done at Nelson Tree Service. Take time to review the
laminated Basics programs in your foreman’s manual and
complete these questions:
List three (3) rules of Back to Basics II:
List three (3) rules of Back to Basics Equipment:
Pre-Trip Inspections – Page 13
6. It is the driver’s responsibility to properly inspect the truck,
document any defects on the pre- and post-inspection form and
communicate these defects to the supervisor. (Circle your answer.)
True or False
7. Where should the keys for the truck be when you go under the
truck for inspection?
8. In a proper inspection, safety equipment, like fire extinguishers and
first aid kits, must be inspected. The fire extinguisher must be fully
charged and the first aid kit must be properly filled. (Circle your answer.)
True or False
Job Briefings – Page 16
9. Under the updated job briefing policy, ________ documented/
written job briefings are required each day? (Fill in the number.)
10. In a proper job briefing, the crewleader should involve all crew-
members in the briefing discussion, ask each crewmember if they
understand, and in some situations have crewmembers repeat
back the instructions. (Circle your answer.)
True or False
Summer Safety Tips – Page 18
11. Dehydration is the common cause of most heat-related illness.
(Circle your answer.)
True or False
12. Don’t squeeze a tick’s body when removing it, as it may cause
the tick to release bacterium into _______ _________ ?
(Fill in two words.)
Accident Investigation – Page 20
13. The primary purpose for an accident investigation is to determine
why the accident occurred, and how to prevent accidents like it in
the future. (Circle your answer.)
True or False
14. All employees must report ________ or ________ to their
crewleader or general foreperson immediately. (Fill in two words.)
Chipper Brake Safety – Page 22
15. Properly functioning chipper brakes are just as important as proper
chipper hook-up. Therefore, Nelson Tree Service mandates that
chipper brakes and braking safety features are functional.
(Circle your answer.)
True or False
16. A broken clip on a breakaway cable, or the wrong style cable that
does not clip into the breakaway switch easily, can cause the chip-
per brakes to remain “locked up.” (Circle your answer.)
True or False
See reverse side of page for instructions on submitting your Quick Quiz!
2 5

2 6
Take the LifeLine Quick Quiz and win!
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Changes.are.being.made.to.the.Quick.Quiz.contest.that.will.result.in.even.more.winners!.For.this.issue.only,..
EVERY.correct.Quick.Quiz.entry.will.win.a.pair.of.leather.work.gloves ..Then,.from.all.the.correct.entries..
submitted,.three.winners.will.be.drawn.randomly.and.each.will.be.awarded.a.$100.Wal-Mart/Sam’s.Club.gift.
card ..Quite.a.pay.off.for.taking.the.time.to.answer.questions.regarding.important.safety.issues!
So,.take.the.Quick.Quiz.and.win!.It’s.simple ..Just.read.your.LifeLine.and.answer.these.questions.related.to.articles.featured.in.this.issue
..Cut.out.this.page.and.mail.it.to.the.address.shown.below .
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The following are our
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Name . . . . . . . . . . . Crew
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Alex Hamilton . . . . .460102
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Ron Holmes . . . . . .461149
Mike Huntington . . .461118
Ed Jones . . . . . . . .472108
George Joyce . . . . . .472108
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Robert Lacovara . . .472108
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Dan Negangard . . . .468112
Daniel Nielson . . . . .463135
Eric Platt . . . . . . . .461149
William Rill . . . . . . .472108
Dale Schoettmer . . .460107
William Shay . . . . . .463121
James Stewart . . . . .461118
James Stillwell . . . . .472108
Rudolf Stocker . . . . .472108
James Syverson . . . .468110
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Jim Syverson Jr . . . .468110
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Large X-Large
Mail entries to: Attn: LifeLine Editor
Nelson Tree Service
1463B Simanton Road
Ashland, Ohio 44805
Deadline for entry is August 1, 2007

U T I L I T Y I N T E R V I E W
Guest Utility Contributor
Becky Spach, Manager of Transmission Forestry Services for FirstEnergy
LifeLine: How did you get involved in this industry?
Becky: Early in high school, I went to a career center and took
horticulture, which included a segment on forestry. After a visit to
Hocking College, where I later earned my degree, I decided to enter
the forestry field.
It was after graduation, when I was completing a summer internship with
the U.S. Forestry Service in Colorado, that I came across a job opening
for a forester with Ohio Edison and
made an inquiry. Up until that moment,
I didn’t realize that utility companies
had positions for forestry personnel.
LifeLine: In your early years, there
were not many women in this industry.
Did that environment pose any difficulties or challenges for you
as one of the first women to enter our field?
Becky: The only challenge I faced was some initial discouragement
from the forestry school because there were not many forestry jobs
at that time. My parents, however, were very encouraging and told
me to go for it, so I did and never looked back. Later, at Ohio Edison,
even though I was pretty much the only woman in our group for many
years, I was always treated as a professional. I had to prove myself to
earn respect from my peers but no more than anyone else.
Today, my staff at FirstEnergy is made up of as many women as it
is men. Admittedly, First Energy has a large forestry group, but even
when we go to ISA conferences, there are a lot of women utility
arborists in attendance.
LifeLine: What advice would you give a woman either considering
this field or already in this field?
Becky: As nurturers, women have unique strengths and characteristics
they bring to the field. Generally speaking, women are excellent communicators.
They are compassionate and emphatic. These are wonderful
relationship building skills, which are essential in the workplace.
Women are also well organized. My advice to women is to embrace
these characteristics. Be authentic and be yourself. If it’s your
dream to work in this industry, then go for it. When we believe in
ourselves, others will too.
LifeLine: What are the responsibilities of your position?
Becky: I oversee and coordinate the transmission vegetation
management program for First Energy’s transmission area, which
consists of approximately 14,500 miles of transmission line that
span Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
LifeLine: By what means do you ensure transmission power delivery?
Becky: First Energy’s transmission vegetation management program
utilizes numerous contractors and 20 support staff personnel to
ensure safe and reliable transmission power delivery. Basically, this
means implementing vegetation management strategies to keep
transmission corridors clear of incompatible vegetation. My staff
provides support in the day-to-day operations, ensuring the work
follows company specifications.
LifeLine: What is your education?
Becky: I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from
Ashland University and an Associate’s
degree in Applied Science, Forestry,
from Hocking College.
® I also gained a tremendous amount of
knowledge from other sources, such as
contractors, my peers, and the utility.
When I first started out many of the contractor supervisors became my
role models because of their experience. The knowledge that I acquired
from those individuals was valuable to me. Many of them are retired
now, but I still keep in touch with them.
LifeLine: What was your reasoning for obtaining a degree in
business administration?
Becky: I had been working for several years for Ohio Edison and
was looking for ways to further my career. I felt the business and
financial side of our industry was an important component of my
field and would compliment my Forestry degree.
“Nelson Tree Service is always striving to meet
our needs as their customer. They have the knowledge,
equipment and manpower ready and available
to help. We appreciate this commitment.”
LifeLine: Last summer, the LifeLine featured herbicide application
on First Energy transmission lines. These herbicide programs, from
Nelson Tree’s involvement, have broadened. How do you feel these
programs are working?
Becky: Our initial reviews show the program is working really well.
We anticipate these programs will take our vegetation management
programs to the next level. We are well on our way to moving
beyond the standard vegetation management program towards a
“best in class” vegetation management program. By best in class, I
mean continuously finding and implementing the best performing,
most cost-efficient vegetation management tools and processes
available to ensure we deliver safe and reliable transmission power
to our customers.
2 7

2 8
O ver.the.course.of.our.Heart.Health.series,.we’ve.
learned.that.a.healthy.lifestyle.can.go.a.long.way.
toward.reducing.the.risk.for.heart.attack ..Nutrition,.
exercise,.weight,.cholesterol.levels,.and.smoking.all.have.
an.impact.on.heart.health ..And.what.we.do.today,.will.
matter.to.our.heart.tomorrow.and.in.the.years.ahead .
. When.we’re.young,.we.think.
we’re.invincible ..While.50.may.
seem.old.to.someone.who.is.25,.
wait.a.few.years ..Anyone.over.30.
will.tell.you.that.the.years.fly.by.
faster.and.faster.the.older.we.get ..
Just.about.anyone.in.their.40’s.or.
50’s.will.tell.you.they.wished.they.
had.taken.better.care.of.themselves.
when.they.were.younger ..So,.if.
you’re.younger,.say.the.18-25.age.
group,.now.is.the.time.to.take.your.
health.and.heart.seriously!.And.for.
the.more.“seasoned”.individuals,.
it’s.never.too.late.to.start!
. If.we’ve.learned.anything.from.our.
survivor.stories.over.the.course.of.
this.series,.it’s.that.changing.habits.isn’t.
always.easy,.but.it.can.be.done.and.it’s.worth.the.
effort ..Even.small.improvements.in.diet.and.fitness.
can.add.up.to.big.benefits.for.your.heart .
You Are What You Eat
. Eating.a.healthy.diet.will.go.a.long.way.toward.
protecting.your.heart ..Healthy.eating.means.choosing.
the.right.foods.to.eat.AND.preparing.them.in.a.healthy.
way ..The.American.Heart.Association.recommends.
eating.oily.fish.containing.omega-3.fatty.acids,.such.as.
salmon,.trout,.and.herring,.to.help.lower.your.risk.of.
coronary.artery.disease ..However,.eating.these.same.fish.
after.deep-frying.them.defeats.this.recommendation!
. Be.sure.to.eat.a.variety.of.nutrient-rich.foods.and.
limit.foods.and.beverages.that.are.high.in.calories.but.
low.in.nutrients ..Choose.foods.like.vegetables,.fruits,.
whole-grain.products,.fat-free.or.low-fat.dairy.products,.and.lean.meats.and.poultry
..Cut.back.on.foods.
containing.partially.hydrogenated.vegetable.oils,.and.
beverages.with.added.sugars .
. Read.labels.carefully.and.limit.your.intake.of.saturated.fat,.trans.fat,.cholesterol,.and.sodium
.
. If.you.drink.alcohol,.drink.in.moderation ..That.means.
one.drink.a.day.for.women.and.two.drinks.a.day.for.men .
Exercise and Fitness
Heart
to
Heart
Part 4 of a four-part series
addressing Heart Health issues.
. There.are.numerous.physical.activities.that.can.
help.your.heart ..Whether.it’s.included.in.a.structured.
exercise.program.or.just.part.of.your.daily.routine,.
all.physical.activity.adds.up.to.a.healthier.heart ..Aim.
for.at.least.30.minutes.of.moderate.physical.activity.
every.day ..Regular.physical.activity.can.help.you.maintain.your.
weight,.keep.off.weight.that.you.
lose.and.help.you.reach.physical.
and.cardiovascular.fitness ..If.you.
can't.do.at.least.30.minutes.at.one.
time,.you.can.add.up.10-minute.
sessions.throughout.the.day .
Smoking
. We'll.say.it.again. . . ..Cigarette.
smoking.is.the.most.important.
preventable.cause.of.premature.
death.in.the.United.States ..It.
accounts.for.nearly.440,000.deaths.
each.year,.of.which.more.than.135,000.
are.due.to.smoking.related.coronary.heart.disease ..
Cigarette.smokers.are.two-to-three.times.more.likely.
to.die.from.coronary.heart.disease.than.nonsmokers .
. New.findings.suggest.that.cigarette.smoking.during.
young.adulthood.is.the.most.important.risk.factor.for.
developing.coronary.heart.disease.later.in.life ..These.
findings.show.that.you're.never.too.young.to.take.care.
of.your.heart!
. If.you.smoke,.you.can.quit.and.stay.quit!.Part.2.of.
our.Heart.Health.series.discussed.ways.to.help.kick.
the.habit.for.good .
Here is a recap …
• Choose your quit method!
• Set a date!
• Be patient!
• Stay positive!
• Take care of yourself!
• Seek support!
. Remember,.more.than.45.million.Americans.have.liberated.themselves.from.nicotine.addiction
..So.it.can.be.done!
. Hopefully,.we.will.all.take.the.prevention.measures.
covered.in.this.series.to.heart!.Make.good.lifestyle.
choices,.say.no.to.cigarettes,.check.your.cholesterol.
levels.regularly.and.enjoy.a.healthier.happier.heart .

Terry Brickley,
Crewleader, Ohio Edison
(Northern Region)
LifeLine: How old were you when you had your heart attack?
Terry: I had my heart attack in February 2006, when I was
just 53-years-old.
LifeLine: Tell us about the events leading up to the attack.
Terry: I was working in Salem, Ohio. I had just come down
from a 50' climb and was feeling fine until I started to roll
up my line. I noticed a sudden pain in my left arm and I
started to sweat heavily. I had no idea what was going on
and the pain kept getting worse. When I started feeling
pain in my chest I told the guys I needed help. Fortunately
Tom Wellman was working down the road from us. We
called him on the cell phone and he picked me up and
drove me to the hospital.
LifeLine: During that drive, what was going through
your mind?
Terry: Well, at this point I'm sure I'm having a heart attack.
But I’m still thinking that it’s not possible. I’ve never
had any health problems and I’m only 53. I was scared.
I even doubted that I would make it. Tom was doing
everything he could to keep me calm and assure me that
we were almost there.
LifeLine: What happened when you arrived at the hospital?
Terry: They gave me nitro glycerin tablets and did blood
work, which confirmed that I’d had a heart attack. More
tests revealed that four of my arteries leading to the
heart were completely blocked and I ended up having a
quadruple bypass.
LifeLine: What was the greatest contributing factor to your
heart attack?
Terry: Definitely smoking. I’ve been smoking since I was
14-years-old and was up to 2 1/2 packs a day before my
heart attack. I didn’t smoke for three weeks after coming
home from the hospital, but I started playing around with it,
a cigarette here and there, until I was up to 1/2 pack a day.
S U R V I V O R S TO R Y
LifeLine: Looking back, were there any signs pointing to a
decline in your heart health?
Terry: I had been noticing that my legs felt heavier and
more tired if I had to walk uphill or for a long distance.
I just chalked this up to the fact that our job is pretty
physically demanding and well, I am 53 after all!
LifeLine: What one piece of advice would you give the
younger guys about taking care of themselves?
Terry: Don’t smoke! It is so addictive and self-destructive.
Smoking a 1/2 pack a day, I can feel the difference
in the quality of my health. I can feel them slowing me
down. I was so young when I started smoking. I wanted
to fit in and I thought it was cool. Sometimes, when I see
young people smoking, I’ll show them my surgery scar
and tell them it would be a good thing to quit now before
something like that happens to them. Young people are
usually going to do what they want, but I hope my experience
will have a positive impact on someone.
LifeLine: Would you agree that your heart attack was a
wake-up call? And, if so, what did you wake up to?
Terry: Definitely! During that drive to the hospital I kept
thinking about how much life was still ahead of me. I was
convinced that if I passed out I would be gone forever. I
didn’t want to let go. Getting a second chance at life really
changes your outlook and priorities. Today, I set goals
and try not to take things for granted. I feel better than I
have in years!
2 9

3 0
N E L S O N W E A R
Summer
NelsonWear
Item 01 – Lightweight Tree Climbers’
Pants from Arborwear
Arborwear Lightweight Tree Climbers’
Pants have the same industrial construction,
gusseted crotch, and streamlined
design as their Original’s, but are sewn
with lighter weight 10 oz. twill. Don’t let
the summer comfort fool you though.
These britches were designed to handle
the toughest of tree work abuse.
Sizes Available: Even sizes only; waist
28-40 and inseam 30-34 (36 inseams
in 32, 34, & 36 waist)
Color: Moss
Price: $35.00
Item 02 – Arborwear Double Front
Blue Jeans
Finally! Designer jeans for tree climbers.
Rugged comfort, gusset crotch fit and
dependable construction in a sturdy,
pre-washed 14.5 oz. denim.
Sizes Available: Even sizes only; waist
28-40 and inseam 30-34 (42 & 44
waist are available in 32 inseam. Also
36 inseams available in 32, 34, & 36
waist)
Color: Blue, of course!
Price: $35.00
Comfort
02
01

N E L S O N W E A R
O R D E R F O R M
Fill out the order form neatly and completely. Remove the form from the LifeLine and give it to your manager.
You may turn in a photocopy of this form.
PLEASE BE SURE TO SPECIFY SIZE ON YOUR ORDER
ITEM QTY. DESCRIPTION SIZE COLOR PRICE EACH TOTAL PRICE
Date Job No.
Social Security No.
Name (please print)
Signature
NelsonWear
Grand Total ___________________
I allow Nelson Tree
Service, Inc. to deduct
this amount from my
paycheck.
Number of weeks to
deduct (check choice)
1 week 4 weeks
3 1

O ver.the.past.year,.the.
LifeLine.has.featured.
an.ongoing.Heart.Health.
series.devoted.to.educating.employees.about.the.
seriousness.of.heart.health ..
As.the.series.has.reached.its.
final.installment,.Nelson.
feels.it.is.a.privilege.to.make.
a.donation.to.the.American.
Heart.Association .
. The.American.Heart..
Association.performs.valuable.services.in.our.communities,.such.as.education,.research,.and.outreach.programs
..
One.of.their.newest.programs.involves.childhood.obesity.
education.and.school.programs.to.help.stop.the.quickly.
rising.rate.of.childhood.obesity.in.our.Nation .
. Another.program.that.has.been.a.huge.success.is.
the.Go.Red.For.Women ..Few.people.realize.that.heart.
disease.is.the.No ..1.killer.of.American.women ..Through.
the.Go.Red.for.Women.program,.education.provided.
to.health.care.providers.and.the.general.public.has.
begun.to.make.significant.improvements.in.diagnosing.
women's.heart.disease .
. Another.facet.of.the.American.Heart.Association.is.
stroke.prevention.and.awareness ..Strokes.are.debilitating.
Nelson Tree Service, Inc.
3300 Office Park Drive
Dayton, Ohio 45439
Nelson Tree is Honored to Support
the American Heart Association
Bev Emmons (right), of Nelson Tree Service presents a donation to Linda
Woit (left) and Mandy Geething (center) of the American Heart Association.
to.those.who.experience.one,.
and.are.caused.by.the.same.
contributing.factors.as.heart.
disease ..The.same.prevention.
advice.for.heart.health.is.also.
true.for.stroke.prevention .
.....A.visit.to.the.American.
Heart.Association.website.
http://www .americanheart .
org.provides.a.wealth.of.
information.on.heart.attacks.
and.strokes ..Many.links.in.
the.site.are.devoted.to.prevention.programs
...The.LifeLine.
encourages.everyone.to.investigate.this.site.the.next.time.
you.have.an.opportunity.to.surf.the.web ..Consider.not.
only.your.health,.but.also.that.of.your.children,.spouse,.
parents.or.loved.ones ..Research.has.proven.that.the.first.
step.in.conquering.public.health.concerns.is.education .
. Nelson.Tree.is.honored.to.support.the.American.Heart.
Association.in.its.mission.to.reduce.disability.and.death.
from.cardiovascular.diseases.and.stroke ..This.donation.is.
also.a.tribute.to.our.employees.who.have.survived.heart.
attacks ..The.work.of.the.American.Heart.Association.
certainly.has.been.a.contributing.factor.to.the.successful.
outcomes.of.their.life.saving.heart.procedures.and..
protocols.for.long-term.success.for.many.years .