Hazardous plants, trees and vegetation toolbox talk

What it is

Poisonous, spiky or invasive plants, hazardous trees and vegetation clearing that can injure people, harm native plants or spread weeds.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Survey the site for hazardous plants, weeds, dead or unstable trees, and mark the areas to keep clear of.
2. Brief workers on how to identify the plants on site and the effects of contact with them.
3. Remove or fence off hazardous trees and plants, and use a qualified arborist for felling or work in dangerous trees.
4. Mark the clearing boundary and keep plant inside it, with permits for protected vegetation, and clean boots, tools and plant to stop the spread of weeds.
5. Dispose of weeds and plant matter at an approved facility, never on site or in bushland.
6. Wear long sleeves, gloves, boots and eye protection, and wash exposed skin after work, with first aid for any sap or contact reaction.

Where it comes up on the job

Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with hazardous plants, trees and vegetation:

• Conduct burn operationsConduct the burn with experienced crews, watching fire travel, smoke and hazardous treesFrom Prescribed Burns
• PlanningObtain consents and permits, and mark hazardous trees before the burnFrom Prescribed Burns

Questions for the crew

1. Where could hazardous plants, trees and vegetation come up on this job today?
2. The most effective control is: “Survey the site for hazardous plants, weeds, dead or unstable trees, and mark the areas to keep clear of”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
3. Which controls for hazardous plants, trees and vegetation are missing or not working on this site?
4. When would you stop work because of hazardous plants, trees and vegetation, and who would you tell?
5. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?