Single incident

Tree worker

incident database

Fill out our simple 'Tree worker incident form' and play your part in improving the safety of our industry with our crowd-sourced data.

The Arboriculture industry statistically is one of the most dangerous professions in the world. It is imperative that the health and safety within our industry keeps evolving. It is our responsibility as Arborists to implement the safe work practices on our job sites, to wear all relevant PPE, to train apprentices and new hires in the correct way without allowing bad habits and potentially dangerous techniques.

We need to analyze our own incidents, learn from them, and figure out where mistakes were made and how the incident can be avoided/prevented in the future. We have to share these stories and experiences with our colleagues, and if possible to an even broader audience through social media and industry events.

Our goal is to create the most comprehensive 'Tree Worker incident database' that includes close calls and injuries. This database outlines the type of injury, the cause, a detailed description of the incident, factors leading to the incident and what could have been changed to avoid the injury (in the opinion of the contributor).

Date of incident02/28/2020
IncidentStruck on cheek while feeding wood chipper
Location of incidentScotland, Motherwell/glasgow
United Kingdom
Map It
Age of impacted party46
OutcomeMinor injury
Type of incident
  • Struck by tree part
Type of equipment involved
  • Chipper
Type of injury
  • Bone fracture
Bodily injury to
  • Head/neck
Action taken
  • First aid administered (not by medical professional)
  • Offsite Medical Professional assistance
Involvement of contributorWorker performing task
Weather
  • Raining
Causes of the incident
  • Bad work positioning
Description of incident

Feeding five inch diameter timber into chipper when the fead rollers gripped log it was flicked towards me striking me in the left check resulting in fracture and extensive bruising and swelling to the area.

Contributing factors

Unfamiliar machine/poor work positioning.

Incident review and preventative measures

Possible refresher training. More awareness by myself.

Form completed by (optional)Nicky Ionta
FirstNicky
LastIonta