Safety & Certification:
The Foundation of Our Operations
Safety Is at the Core of Everything We Do
Land clearing is inherently high-risk work, involving heavy machinery, hazardous terrain, and complex site conditions.
At Homer Tree Service, safety is not a checklist; it is a culture. From leadership to field crews, every employee is trained, certified, and held to the highest safety expectations.
When we arrive at your job site, you can expect:
- Skilled union operators
- Meticulously maintained equipment
- Crews trained in advanced safety procedures
- A proven record of safe performance across the Midwest
This commitment has earned us an insurance experience modifier rate (EMR) well below the national average, giving our clients both peace of mind and cost-savings advantages during competitive bidding.
Our Safety Philosophy
A safe project is a productive project.
Our safety program is built around these core objectives:
- Promote the safety and well-being of every employee and their family
- Encourage clear, proactive safety communication at all levels
- Establish individual responsibility for safety performance
- Maintain a culture of planning, hazard recognition, and risk prevention
- Ensure jobsite supervision actively leads and reinforces safe practices
Every superintendent, foreman, and operator plays a vital role in cultivating safe job sites.
Key Components of Our Safety Program
Full-Time Safety Educator
A dedicated safety professional supports field operations, assists with training, and ensures compliance across all projects.
Company Safety & Health Manual
A detailed guide outlining our procedures, OSHA requirements, jobsite expectations, and emergency protocols.
Drug & Alcohol Testing Program
Mandatory testing to ensure a sober, safe, and compliant work environment.
Safety Recognition Program
Rewarding safe performance at the Project Superintendent, Field Superintendent, and Foreman levels.
Structured Training Programs
We provide ongoing certification and training for our team, including:
- First Aid & CPR
- OSHA 10-Hour and 30-Hour Construction Safety
- Three Rivers Safety Center Training
- E-Rail Safe System
- Hazwoper (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response)
- Contractor Orientation & New Employee Training
- Jobsite Hazard Analysis (JHA) training
Accident & Incident Reporting
Immediate reporting procedures with corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Site-Specific Safety Plans
Custom Safety, Health, Injury & Illness Prevention Programs for every major job.
Reinforcing Safety On Every Jobsite
We reinforce safety through proactive, documented measures:
- Daily pre-work safety meetings (PPE, tasks, hazards, procedures)
- Weekly tool-box talks
- Frequent jobsite evaluations from management
- Detailed work plans incorporating safety objectives
- Strict enforcement of the Safety Violation/Misconduct Program
- Client coordination for seamless job-wide safety alignment
- Regular OSHA consultation to strengthen safety performance
These steps ensure that safe behavior is built into every task we perform.
Certifications & Compliance
Homer Tree Service maintains active certifications and memberships, including:
OSHA Certified
We maintain OSHA compliance across all operations, with employees completing the OSHA 10-Hour and 30-Hour safety training courses. OSHA certification underscores our proactive approach to workplace safety, focusing on hazard recognition, accident prevention, and adherence to strict federal safety standards, resulting in safer job sites and peace of mind for our clients.
Course Topics
- Introduction to OSHA
- Contractor’s Safety and Health Program
- Reporting and Record Keeping
- Electrical Hazards
- Fall Protection
- Materials Handling
- Cranes and Rigging
- Motorized Mobile Platforms
- The Competent Person
Excavations - Work Zone Traffic Control
- Forklift Hazards
ISNetworld Member Vendor (ISN)
As an ISNetworld (ISN) Member Vendor, Homer Tree Service’s safety, insurance, and regulatory information is fully verified and transparent. ISN membership streamlines contractor qualification for our clients and demonstrates our track record of compliance and safety performance. This simplifies vetting processes and assures clients that they are partnering with a proven, reliable provider.
Hazwoper – Emergency Response Training
Our teams are trained under the HAZWOPER program to manage hazardous materials safely and comply with federal requirements for emergency response on contaminated job sites. This certification ensures that any land clearing project involving potential environmental hazards or accidental spills is handled with the utmost caution, protecting workers, the public, and the surrounding environment.
MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration)
Our teams are trained under the HAZWOPER program to manage hazardous materials safely and comply with federal requirements for emergency response on contaminated job sites. This certification ensures that any land clearing project involving potential environmental hazards or accidental spills is handled with the utmost caution, protecting workers, the public, and the surrounding environment.
E-RailSafe
Homer Tree Service maintains E-RailSafe certification, which is required for contractors working with or near the railroad industry for Class 1 Railroads. Our crews are vetted, trained, and background-checked to ensure full compliance with railroad safety and security protocols. This protects public infrastructure and provides confidence when projects require access across active railways.
Three Rivers Manufacturers’ Association
Our affiliation with the Three Rivers Manufacturers’ Association (TRMA) reflects our commitment to best practices and continuous improvement. TRMA provides industry-specific training and resources focused on safety and health. Participation ensures our staff is updated on the latest regulatory requirements and recommendations for safe, efficient project execution.
Our Equipment Safety Standards
Every piece of equipment in our 160+ unit fleet undergoes:
- Routine inspections
- Preventative maintenance
- Safety checks before each shift
- Operator walk-around inspections
- Compliance review for attachments, hydraulics, and blades
Safe equipment means safe operations, and we treat maintenance as a top priority.
Safety for High-Risk Land Clearing Projects
Our safety program supports complex project environments, including:
- Highway and expressway clearing
- Utility right-of-way projects
- Industrial and commercial development
- Rail corridors
- Wetland and environmental sites
- Confined or hazardous access zones
Whatever the challenge, our crews operate with discipline and precision.
See Safety in Action
View real examples of safe land clearing operations, project workflows, and certified crews in the field.
Safety Is Our Standard. Always.
Whether your project involves mass tree removal, right-of-way clearing, or complex land restoration, Homer Tree Service delivers safe, compliant, and certified operations from start to finish.
