THE Arboricultural Association (AA) recently launched a poster outlining its advice for working on site during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The AA stated: “We understand that many people working in our industry such as contractors and those surveying and inspecting trees who are unable to work from home will feel that they are unable to stop work because of financial pressures.

“Whilst the Association recommends that such members consider ceasing work in order to protect their health and the health of those around them, we fully recognise that this is a decision many people feel unable to make.”

Advice includes:

  • Only travel to work if you are unable to work from home
  • Only work if you are not showing symptoms of Coronavirus
  • Do not work in any households where someone is self-isolating
  • Always maintain a 2-metre distance from others
  • Wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitiser if hand washing facilities are not available
  • Travel separately to site rather than sharing lifts with others
  • Do no share equipment
  • Disinfect all equipment after use
  • Plan work carefully to minimise the risk of further burdening the NHS.

The AA also recently shared an appeal for protective equipment on behalf of the NHS.

NHS suppliers are asking DIY stores to donate visors and glasses to hospital staff, amid concern that rising numbers of medics are falling ill after exposure to Coronavirus.

The AA has appealed to any arboriculture businesses to donate whatever they can in the way of suitable PPE to their local hospitals.

Last week the Health Care Supply Association tweeted: “If any DIY stores want to help at this time then donating supplies of visors and glasses will greatly help NHS staff.”

Suitable protective glasses and any polycarbonate clear face visors can be sent to your local hospital, or if you have a large amount of stock you’d like to donate you can email suppliers@supplychain.nhs.uk.

The idea was suggested by Peter Barton after receiving an AA Coronavirus newsletter. He said: “They don't have nowhere near enough for nurses to protect them from COVID-19. I have managed to buy three Oregon units for my wife, son and daughter who are front line nurses. But they are in very short supply. I successfully removed the ear defenders to allow the use of the Oregon visors I purchased. Any donations to your members local hospital would be gratefully received.”