Injuries arising from tree works

The Forestry Industry Safety Accord, in accordance with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), has released details of 2 separate accidents involving trees being felled this year, which both resulted in persons being killed.

Both incidents involved persons performing works on trees. One was during the clearance of windblow trees whereas the other when a person was struck by a section of tree during a felling operation.

Being struck by a tree or branches during felling or any tree works is a significant cause of death and major injury in forestry, arboriculture, and landscape operations. As well as HSE accident and fatality statistics, the Association, through its work with the National Contractors Forum, has identified falling limbs as a significant risk during tree works.

Key messages shared by the HSE:

• Anyone involved in tree work, including felling, must be trained and competent for the task being done. Keep other people well away from work areas
• Tree work must be planned and supervised. Check trees for signs of decay and other factors that may affect felling or the work to be done. Where necessary set up exclusion zones
• Select suitable equipment
• Look out for dead wood, insecure/unstable branches, and broken tops in the tree to be cut, and in adjacent trees
• During felling, keep other people more than two tree lengths away
• Keep the escape route and work area, clear of obstructions
• Emergency arrangements should include first aid provision and ability to quickly contact emergency services

Further reading

Forestry Industry Safety Accord: Tree strike