For Timothy Brogan, gaining TCIA’s Certified Treecare Safety Professional credential (CTSP) was a way to empower him to teach other tree care professionals the tools needed to increase their longevity in the industry through safe practices and a safety-culture mindset.

“It struck me just how many of our co-workers and colleagues come from different backgrounds. We all learn on different levels, whether it’s physically doing something or reading something and retaining it really well, or just seeing someone performing it. With this type of credential, it gives you the skills to get through to people and to allow them to learn in the best possible way.”

CTSP is a credential designed to help trainers, or “coaches,” develop and nurture a safe work environment at their companies.

Brogan is a crew leader and one of three CTSPs at Capital Arborists Inc.in Rocklin, California, near Sacramento, which he joined earlier this year. The company has multiple Certified Arborists and focuses on proper tree care, not just removing trees. “The company is very fond of trying to keep trees around as long as possible, so that was very appealing to me,” he says.

As for longevity, it’s not just about a worker’s age as much as it is about them staying healthy. A 20-plus-year veteran of the industry, Brogan says he learned early on the importance of self care – stretching, using ergonomics when holding a chain saw, etc. – key factors that have assisted him in being in this industry for so long.

“I have seen many people suffer from minor issues that become larger issues, especially as we age. It’s important to focus on the tasks we do every day, such as proper work positioning, not overstraining and making sure you are right where you need to be to make that cut and make it safely.”

Brogan notes that many in the tree industry can remember starting out and being thrown to the wolves, so to speak, learning as they went and figuring it out.

“That leads to insecurities and letting fear set in, and that can lead to incidents. So another part of the longevity is having knowledge, which I like to try to share, and education, so workers can make informed decisions when they are in the canopy. It causes less strain on your mind if you’re not always worried that you are going to do something wrong when you are 100 feet up in the tree.”

He appreciates what he learned in the CTSP training and says he feels a refresher course, not as extensive as the original three-day course, but with a recap of what everyone learned initially, would be beneficial.

Brogan got the credential in 2018 and has maintained it since then. The annual renewals and earning the required continuing education units (CEUs) prompt ongoing education, he says, adding that he is always looking to expand his knowledge.

“When training is documented, getting the CEUs is not a problem,” he says, whether it involves doing a tailgate safety meeting or if the opportunity arises to do a meeting on chain-saw safety. “The opportunity for getting the required training is there, as long as you are willing and motivated to find it.”

For more information about the CTSP program and upcoming workshops, go to www.tcia.org and, in the pull-down menu, click on the Education/CEUs tab, then click CTSP & Qualifications.

Tamsin Venn is founding publisher of the former Atlantic Coastal Kayaker magazine and author of the book “Sea Kayaking Along the New England Coast,” and has been a contributing writer to TCI Magazine since 2011. She lives in Ipswich, Massachusetts.