wow. I"m surprised ANYONE would even think of putting in the tree steps without wearing a safety harness\lineman's belt.
That's whats called COMMON SENSE to help alleviate a fall out of the tree and possible injury. (as in DUH!)
I don't care how old you are, how strong you are, what kind of job you do, how much money you make-----when you hit the ground or hang up on a tree step the loved ones you leave behind won't care either.
PLEASE, PLEASE......everyone wear a harness and USE the linemans belt to install the steps.......it ain't rocket science people.......and live to hunt another year.