Daryl is a seasoned professional with over 30 years experience in the utility vegetation management industry. His journey, marked by a deep commitment to safety, has seen him navigate through various field-based roles, to his current position as National Safety & Compliance Manager with Asplundh Australia. Daryl’s passion for safety is evident in his proactive approach to risk management. Daryl’s strategic thinking and leadership skills have led to the successful implementation of safety systems and programs, which support best-in-industry WHS results. Daryl’s personal touch is seen in his ability to engage with people, drive change, and raise engagement levels.

Title - Arc-Rated Clothing – Necessary Control or Unnecessary Hazard?

Abstract - What happens when a safety measure designed to protect workers may actually put them at greater risk? 

Arc-rated clothing has become a requirement in parts of the utility vegetation management sector, yet it is not nationally standardised. This inconsistency raises a critical question: does this control genuinely deliver safety benefits for utility arborists, or does it introduce new hazards, particularly heat stress and fatigue, during Australia’s summer conditions?

Evidence from Safe Work Australia and recent research shows that working in heat significantly increases physiological strain and fatigue, which not only impairs judgment and decision-making but can also bias risk-taking behaviour and reduce cognitive performance. These factors amplify safety risks rather than mitigate them and are recognised as psychosocial hazards under OHS/WHS legislation. The Australian Institute of Health & Safety also identifies fatigue and heat stress as critical risks impacting worker health and wellbeing.

When combined with heavier, less breathable clothing, these risks escalate, creating a paradox where a measure intended to enhance safety may inadvertently compromise it. Drawing on decades of collective vegetation management industry experience and supported by incident and near-miss data, this presentation examines the operational realities of arc-rated clothing and its impact on worker wellbeing.

Through interactive discussion and live feedback, participants will explore whether current practices strike the right balance between electrical risk mitigation and the prevention of secondary hazards, including psychosocial risks. This session offers a rare opportunity to influence future standards and ensure practical improvements shaped by the lived experiences and voices of field workers, delivering safer, smarter outcomes for the industry.