TFTC #40: Should I Use SENA Communications for Tree Care?

To SENA or not to SENA…that is the question! Is it though? If you like speaking in a normal tone of voice, clearly communicating to your fellow workers, and maybe even enjoy the ease of taking or making phone calls without pulling your phone out of your pocket while high in the air, maybe, just maybe, a Bluetooth communication system like SENA would be a great addition to your tree care team. Yelling up into the air in fragmented sentences, highlighting keywords for you and the rest of the neighborhood is how we’ve always done it, but it does get exhausting and is not as professional as you could be.

Bluetooth systems that are installed in our helmets allow for clear and concise communication. It can sometimes be distracting when everyone is trying to talk at once, but the amount of time it saves on a jobsite is incalculable. The cost can scare folks away, but the investment in improved communication increases efficiency, improves training, reduces incidents, and increases the fun one has on a job. Struck-bys are one of the main incidents that arborists and the general public experience year after year. In many ways, it can be tied back to communication, or lack thereof. SENA systems allow for a far quicker call and response system, reducing the likelihood of struck-bys. Of course, this is assuming that they are charged and paired properly, which may be the largest hiccup in implementing the systems aside from the arts and crafts time to install and hide the wires (though retailers like Sherrilltree offer installation services on new helmets). Despite the installation and upkeep, these systems have a proven track record with the companies that use and in many ways rely upon them daily. Start asking around and it probably won’t take too many calls or Instagram searches to find an arborist company using this technology these days.

Whether you are trying to talk someone through where to find the specialty block and sling you haven’t used in months (it’s at the bottom of that one rigging bag buried deep in the job box) or help someone position properly on the end of a limb to make a reduction cut, these systems are a great benefit to arborists. Also, isn’t it amazing how clients seem to find the newest person onsite and zero in on them to ask all sorts of questions in the hopes of getting more done… ya know, since you’re here? These communication systems are an unsung hero when it comes to client management. Especially with the particular and ornery. The ability to talk the newbie through what to say and how to say it is gold. It’ll help teach that new person how to interact with clients as well as help increase your professionalism when interacting with them.

Ultimately, there are lots of benefits that far outweigh the costs associated with getting your team outfitted. SENA units increase efficiency, help with training, reduce incidents, and help make the workday far more pleasant. If you’re on the fence, hop off and give them a chance… It could also lead to breaking less of the fences you just jumped off of.

Jeff’s Safety Tip: Using the term ‘Stand Clear’ is superior to yelling out ‘Headache’ or ‘Heads Up’. These terms tend to draw people into our drop zone, whereas ‘Stand Clear’ pushes them away.

Author Bio: Jeff Inman is the Risk Manager for Truetimber Arborists based out of Richmond, VA. He is an ambassador for Courant Vertical Living as well as @Height Equipment. Jeff is an ISA Tree Climber, Arborist, TRAQ and TCIA CTSP, but more importantly, he is a husband to his beautiful wife and father to their two children. His passion is rooted in climbing, learning, and growth. His mission is to help others be the best version of themselves and pass along the information and love of arboriculture that was shared with him many years ago. Find him on Instagram at @ClimbinJeff.

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