13 August 2017

A 38-year-old trained and experienced logger was killed when he was struck by a tree.

Circumstances

A multi-leader radiata pine tree had been scarfed and back-cut. Only a small section of holding wood had been left.

The heads of the multi-leader appear to have been caught in a tree forward of the multi-leader and this prevented it from falling.

The tree faller walked forward to fell the tree that had prevented the multi-leader from falling. Positioned with his back to the cut-up tree, he began to make his felling cuts.

It is thought that as the tree faller was cutting the obstructing tree it moved and released the cut-up tree. The tree fell on him and he was fatally injured.

Investigation

The investigation determined that the accident was caused by:

• working forward of a cut-up tree
• felling aids not being used
• scarf cut too deep with not enough holding wood left
• a failure to clear round the base of the cut-up tree. the tree faller was unable to gauge the depth of the back-cut
• the tree forward of the multi-leader should have been felled first
• the multi-leader should have been driven out with another tree.

WorkSafe New Zealand advice

• Never work forward of a hung-up or cut-up tree.
• Never turn your back on a cut-up tree.
• Use a machine to release lodged or cut-up trees.

To which industries/sectors or matters will this information be relevant?

• Forestry
• Mobile plant

Published: December 2010. Updated August 2017.