How Tree Climbing Work & Cybersecurity Inform Safety Strategies, w/ Andrew Boyd

Dangerous Jobs Podcast with Apolonia Rockwell

In this episode, Apolonia is joined by Andrew Boyd, a former cybersecurity consultant who ditched his desk job, strapped on a helmet and a harness, and found a more fulfilling career in the trees.

What can safety professionals learn from a man who prunes trees, chops down trees, removes deadwood and trees, and grinds tree stumps? A lot, apparently! Listen to this episode to find out!

Today’s topics include:

* Andrew started in software engineering but found the desk job isolating, leading him to explore tree climbing as a way to combine problem-solving and physical activity.

*Andrew’s transition from a desk job to tree work, and how his analytical mindset has helped him in this new field.

* How many tree workers lack proper training and safety practices, leading to injuries and bad habits.

How Andrew started his own business to prioritize safety and best practices, despite potential slower work rates.

* Stories of unethical company cultures and near-incidents, highlighting the importance of setting one's own rules and regulations.

* Andrew recounts a dangerous tree climbing experience with a colleague who made multiple mistakes, including not tying the rope properly and not paying attention.

* The importance of building confidence and comfort level in a safe manner, while also respecting individual boundaries and not pushing people to do something they're uncomfortable with, even if it's not a safety issue.

* Safety protocols and leadership in a tree service industry, including how layered safety measures, such as wearing chaps, are important for preventing accidents.

* How leaders set the tone for their organization's culture by their actions and behaviors.

* If leadership doesn’t prioritize safety standards, it may be a sign that the company doesn't truly care about its workers.

* The importance of standing up for safety and leading by example, even if it means pausing a project or speaking up when someone is not following safety protocols.

Thanks so much to Andrew Boyd for being a guest!

Check out Andrew’s business: Southern Pines Tree Service: https://www.southernpinestreeservice.com/

Apolonia Rockwell is the Founder and CEO of True Safety Services and True Safety University.

Learn more about “Dangerous Jobs with Apolonia Rockwell”: https://www.truesafetyservices.com/podcast

Subscribe to Apolonia Rockwell’s YouTube channel (where we also post her podcasts): https://www.youtube.com/@apoloniarockwell7484

True Safety Services is Colorado’s #1 provider in safety training and safety management services. Learn more about True Safety Services: https://www.truesafetyservices.com

True Safety University is a world class virtual training platform for individuals and companies: https://www.truesafetyuniversity.com

Connect with True Safety Services:

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/true-safety-services

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truesafetyservices

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truesafetyservices

* X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/true_safety

Subscribe to the podcast:

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3M0N0Ip

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oES0BlrhFqsVdBgmAbOhp

This episode was produced by Story On Media & Marketing: https://www.successwithstories.com.