Do you climb in the rain?

[gibbon]

I have managed for years without getting my kit wet, if it's raining do ground work or logs

 

It is very important that kit is dried out properly and not left damp, fabric and stitching can degrade and weaken

 

Simple rule, it usually holds true, unless the weather people on the tv actually say its going to pee down ALL day: "Rain at seven, gone by eleven"

 

Very rarely does it rain all day. I don't like working in the rain, but it won't soak through my skin..

 

Agreed. I was born with waterproof skin so I intend to use it. If I didn't work in the rain, wind or sun because of inflated risk I would choose another industry. Sometimes working in the rain is less hassle than rearranging a busy weeks work. Head down, get the job done then go home

[butler]

Agreed. I was born with waterproof skin so I intend to use it. If I didn't work in the rain, wind or sun because of inflated risk I would choose another industry. Sometimes working in the rain is less hassle than rearranging a busy weeks work. Head down, get the job done then go home

great post

[Paul Jenks]

When I was employed by others I worked in the rain. (There was one company where I didn't as everyone else sat in the vans. What a dreary way to spend one's time.) Now I'm an employer I still work in the rain and expect others to also.

95% of our work is in trees above ground level so it's a little more challenging to reschedule to other types of work.

As for greed and/or desperation, (and I read your comment that it's nothing personal, Dean), virtually all our profits go back into the business to develop the staff and give them a better working environment.

Alas, most trees live outside and that is where they are when we work on them come rain or shine. In my view, there is about 8 weeks a year when it's actually pleasant to work on trees. 4 weeks in the autumn and 4 in the spring when it,s cool enough to appreciate ballistics yet warm enough to not get too cold whilst drinking a cup of tea, insects have either yet to emerge or have died off and there is good light to see clearly what your'e doing without being blinded. At all other times it's too hot, too cold, snowing, raining, foggy, windy, icey, muggy etc.

I really don't mind all that much and I always carry spare clothes too, rain or shine.

[Stephen Blair]

I like the rain, it's refreshing!

If I expect everyday to be glorious sunshine , like most folk I meet daily, then I will be as doom and gloom as them.

It's the drying out of kit and clothes that's key.

[skyhuck]

I really don't find climbing in the rain dangerous, if anything its tidying up in the rain that I hate.

[Dean Lofthouse]

Having a large wage bill would be a big factor on your choice (-:

[Mark J]

You can only get wet once.

[Ben Lad]

Living in Cumbria... If I didn't work in the rain I'd not make any money

[Paul Jenks]

Having a large wage bill would be a big factor on your choice (-:

 

Very true, Dean. That and the commercial realities of arboricultural contracting.

 

How many sub-contractors on here would ring up and tell their next employer they'll not be in tomorrow as it looks like it might be wet? Do you think you'd get a call next week offering you work?

 

If we, as an industry, sought to control or eliminate all the hazards associated with tree work nothing would get done. Wet weather creates a number of hazards. One only has to look at the road accident statistics spikes in wet weather to see. Should we not drive in the wet. We, sensible drivers, adapt our driving to the conditions. Arborists should do the same. If one persons control system is not to carry out aerial work that's fine.

 

We don't have the luxury of or the inclination to build a sub-section to our business that allows for work redistribution in inclement weather.

 

If someone chooses to work in an outdoor industry they should expect to have to work in all weathers. If they don't want to get wet, they can either get a desk job or set up their own business and ask Dean for the model. Happy days.

[Dean Lofthouse]

Hence the reason I leave commercial side to you boys, I've had a lifetime of outdoor work and now have a very good business and standard of living without having to get wet.

 

Need any tips on keeping your ropes dry give us a shout