SafeWork SA is investigating an incident at Mount Compass where worker using a chainsaw to fell trees sustained a serious injury.
SafeWork SA has been notified of an incident at Mount Compass where a 24 year old male worker using a chainsaw to fell trees sustained a serious injury from a falling limb, resulting in amputation.
SafeWork SA is currently investigating this incident.
Safety reminder
Each year, Australian workers are seriously injured or killed during tree felling and related activities.
SafeWork SA reminds businesses that they must, so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure people are not exposed to health and safety risks resulting from the work activities being performed. This includes determining and implementing safe systems of work to eliminate or minimise risk.
Safe systems of work are based on a risk assessment process, involving those performing the work. The method in which the task will be performed will become your safe work procedures (SWPs).
On-site assessment must be undertaken to identify and control site-specific risks on every new tree felling job.
When felling trees with a chainsaw, only trained operators should be performing the task and appropriate PPE must be worn at all times while a saw is being operated.
Activities involving chainsaws have the potential to expose workers to hazards that could result in a serious injury requiring immediate first aid. Always have access to a trained first aider and avoid working alone.
Further information
Amenity tree felling – information sheet