Member of the public injured by falling tree

Possible control measures to prevent similar incidents

A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that workers and other persons are not exposed to risks arising from tree felling and associated vegetation management activities.

Where appropriate, consider substituting the task of manual felling with mobile plant designed for mechanical felling. An example of this is to use a forestry harvester. However, this may not be reasonably practicable in many circumstances.

• Where the tree cannot be clear felled. For example, an Elevating Work Platform (EWP) may be required to remove the crown or other parts of the tree before it can be safely felled in the required direction. An EWP must not be used as a crane or to support any part of the tree during the felling or rigging processes. Note: An EWP may be assessed as a suitable alternative then climbing the tree to remove the crown.
  
  See figure 1

Figure 1: A boom-type elevating work platform

• Other mobile plant or ropes and cable type tensioning systems may be used to help ensure the tree will fall in the desired direction. For example, bulldozers or excavators fitted with Level 2 Falling Objects Protective Structure (FOPS). Note: the use of mobile plant and cable type systems as alternatives where clear felling is not possible may also be considered engineering control measure.

All equipment used in the felling process, including mobile plant and tensioned ropes or cable systems, must be suitable for the task. For example, cables and connectors between the tree and the plant must have adequate strength and be long enough to allow the plant to remain at a distance of at least twice the height of the tree.

If a chainsaw is selected, it must also be suitable for the task and the size of the tree – refer to the manufacturer's recommendations and limitations on use. The chainsaw and its use should comply with the requirements of AS 2727:1997 Chainsaws – Guide to safe working practices.

Chainsaws must be equipped with a reliable off switch, chain catcher, rear hand guard, anti-vibration handle mountings, throttle lockout, efficient muffler, chain brake, and front hand guard.

Safe system of work

Develop a safe system of work for tree felling. This may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• A thorough tree inspection should be carried out by a competent person, such as a trained arborist or another person who can demonstrate the required competence. The inspection should include an assessment of the tree’s structure, growth habit, stability, and growing environment. The inspection should consider hazards, condition, wind loading, structural integrity, and location.
• Ensuring the area around the base of the tree is cleared to provide sufficient area to carry out the work and to allow safe escape routes.
• Ensuring the felling zone is maintained around the tree being felled. The felling zone should extend in all directions to a radial distance of at least two times the height of the tallest tree and be maintained between the feller(s) and all other persons.
• Exclusion zones should be placed around the drop/felling zone to keep the public and workers at a safe distance. Consider using physical barriers as well as signage.
• Where the exclusion zone includes a public road, a road closure should be carried out in accordance with the Queensland Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
• Safety signs are clearly legible and in positions which give adequate warning to anyone approaching the area.
• Tree felling adjacent to energised powerlines and associated hardware must not occur within the exclusion distances specified in the Electrical Safety Regulation 2026. Conduct a site-specific risk assessment that considers:
  • the type of plant and equipment or tools being used
  • the work site and weather conditions
  • the type of work being undertaken, including set-up and pack-up procedures.
• Ensure workers are adequately trained including in emergency procedures, working near electric lines, the operation of equipment, work tasks, and communication protocols.
• Ensure weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and wind speed, are assessed before work commences and monitored throughout the task to ensure conditions remain suitable to continue working.
• Consult with workers when determining how to manage the risks associated with tree removal. This should occur prior to the commencement of work, for example, through a documented toolbox talk.
• Depending on the task, equipment and conditions, any remaining risk must be minimised with suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE should only be relied upon when it is not practicable to use other methods to control risks. PPE may include hard hats, gloves, protective footwear, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, and cut-resistant leg protection. Note: Administrative control measures and PPE rely on human behaviour and supervision, and used on their own, tend to be least effective in minimising risks. The control measures you put in place should be reviewed regularly to make sure they work as planned.