PPE Q&A with Arbortec

Written by Eric Petersen, CIC & Hannah Maidstone

When it comes to running a successful tree care business, few things are more critical and unfortunately, more often overlooked, than proper PPE. In this Q&A, I sat down with Hannah Maidstone of Arbortec to dig into the real risks arborists face every day and the role protective equipment plays in preventing serious injuries. Hannah brings a practical, field-informed perspective to some of the most important questions tree care owners should be asking; from compliance and comfort to culture and accountability. If you’re responsible for a crew, this is a conversation you can’t afford to ignore.

1. What are the top PPE gaps that cause the most injuries in tree care?

The biggest gaps are usually inconsistent use, worn-out equipment, and the wrong PPE for the task. We often see climbers using damaged helmets, chainsaw operators working without proper leg protection, or crews skipping eye/ear protection during quick jobs. Another gap is heat and comfort. If PPE is too heavy or restrictive, people are less likely to wear it consistently.

 2. What’s the real difference between chainsaw chaps and chainsaw pants?

Both are designed to stop a moving chainsaw chain by clogging the sprocket with protective fibers, but they’re built differently. Chaps are worn over regular work pants and protect the front of the legs, while chainsaw pants are integrated trousers with built-in protection that typically wrap further around the leg. Chainsaw pants usually provide better coverage, mobility, and comfort for climbers and full-day saw use, while chaps are often used for occasional ground saw work.

 3. How would you recommend building a PPE culture within a tree care crew?

PPE culture starts with leadership and consistency. If supervisors and experienced climbers wear the right gear every time, the rest of the crew follows. It also helps to provide comfortable, well-fitting PPE and explain why it matters sharing real incident examples makes the risk more tangible. Finally, treat PPE as professional equipment, not just compliance gear.

 4. Do you have any statistics on the Return on Investment (ROI) of PPE?

The ROI of PPE shows up in reduced injuries, fewer lost workdays, and lower insurance costs. Tree care is one of the higher-risk outdoor trades, so preventing even one serious chainsaw or head injury can save tens of thousands in medical costs, downtime, and liability. In many cases, a full set of quality PPE costs less than a single minor injury claim.

 5. How should a tree care company build a PPE program to inspect, maintain, and retire PPE the right way?

Start with three simple steps: assign responsibility, inspect regularly, and track lifespan.

1. Assign a PPE lead (crew leader or safety manager) responsible for oversight.
2. Daily visual checks by users and scheduled formal inspections monthly or quarterly.
3. Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning and retirement helmets, for example, often have recommended service lives even if they appear undamaged.
4. Keeping a simple log for inspections and replacements helps crews stay proactive rather than replacing PPE only after something fails.

A big thank you to Hannah Maidstone for sharing her expertise and helping shed light on such a critical aspect of tree care safety. Her insights reinforce just how important it is for owners to be intentional about PPE, not just in policy, but in everyday practice. Please respond to this email if you’d like to connect with Hannah. 

And if you are struggling with implementing proper PPE usage within your company, please reach out to an ArboRisk team member today or sign up directly for our Thrive Risk Management Safety Package.