Job briefing and tailgate meeting record: the subjects OSHA lists

This page reports what the named codes, regulators and makers say. It is not training and does not teach the work. This page reports what the official source says. It is not legal advice: ask the office named here. It lists what regulators name for a job briefing or tailgate meeting before tree work. The list this page follows is OSHA's job briefing rule, 29 CFR 1910.269(c), which OSHA applies to line-clearance tree trimming around electric lines and which is the one regulator text read that names briefing subjects. It is not a template, and a record with these fields is not claimed to meet any rule. All pages were read on October 9, 2026. The courses that teach the work are in the guides on chainsaw tickets and certifications by country.

The OSHA job briefing

The rule is part of 29 CFR 1910.269. Paragraph (a)(1)(i)(E) says it covers line-clearance tree trimming done to clear space around electric lines for an organization that operates or controls them, and that paragraph (c) applies to such trimmers who are not qualified employees as well as to qualified employees. The fields it names are in the table.

Field	Where OSHA names it
Hazards associated with the job	1910.269(c)(2)
Work procedures involved	1910.269(c)(2)
Special precautions	1910.269(c)(2)
Energy-source controls	1910.269(c)(2)
Personal protective equipment requirements	1910.269(c)(2)

Beyond the subjects, the rule says the briefing is conducted by the employee in charge before each job. If the day's work is repetitive and similar, at least one briefing is held before the first job of each day or shift, and more are held if significant changes occur that might affect safety. It says a brief discussion is enough for routine work where employees can be expected to recognize and avoid the hazards, and that a more extensive discussion is held if the work is complicated or particularly hazardous. An employee working alone need not hold a briefing, but the employer ensures the tasks are planned as if one were required. The rule names no written form or sign-in sheet.

What other regulators say about briefing the crew

The HSE page on tree-climbing operations says the job is discussed and planned beforehand, and that ground staff support and monitor the climber at all times. The HSE aerial work page says ground staff plan the job with the climber before the work starts and are aware of the tasks involved. The WorkSafe New Zealand approved code of practice says all workers are given clear instructions on the work to be done and any hazards to themselves, property or the public, and that working techniques and work progression are fully discussed and understood by ground staff before climbing. None of these three sets out fields for a written record. The guide to site paperwork by country compares the records each country asks for, and the sheets that list briefing points are described in OSHA's one-page tree care sheet.

Job briefing and tailgate meeting record: the subjects OSHA lists

The OSHA job briefing

What other regulators say about briefing the crew

Sources