Landscapers, arborists, utilities workers, and construction crews are some of the trades that regularly perform tree care. After these teams are done pruning, removing limbs, or topping off trees, they typically load the wood materials into a woodchipper. 

Numerous hazards are associated with using a woodchipper including excessive noise, powerful moving parts, and flying wood particles. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), around 80 people are killed per year while operating a woodchipper. Workers must adhere to best practices to avoid fatal injuries.

How can you stay injury-free? The Occupational Safety & Health Administration offers these suggestions:

• Train workers to properly inspect and operate the machinery
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
• Ensure all safety guards, controls, and emergency shut-off devices are in working order
• Stand to the side when feeding materials
• Only feed wood material into the machine, never rocks or metal
• Wear safety glasses, a hard hat, close-fitting clothing,hearing protection, gloves without cuffs, and skid-resistant footwear 
• Stow all ropes and lines away from the chipper
• Never reach into the chipper’s in-feed chute to un-jam the materials while it’s operating