On safety in forestry work

So what should you keep in mind when working in the forest? Statistics show that accidents are most often caused by tripping or falling on walkways, by the use of tools (saws, axes, a hydraulic crane for lifting logs, etc.) and by a broken branch or a falling tree coming down on the worker.

You should also bear in mind that when working in the forest your health is put at risk by working outdoors (e.g. draughts), by the noise and vibration produced by machinery, by manual handling of heavy loads, by awkward working postures (e.g. working with a brushcutter), by contact with chemicals (lubricants, sawdust, campfire smoke, etc.) and with biological hazards (soil bacteria, moulds, insects – including ticks).

A worker carrying out forestry work must have completed special training both on being in the danger zone and on handling the tools.

Work safely in the forest

Use safety equipment – helmet, ear defenders, face guard, protective trousers, safety boots, a high-visibility jacket or waistcoat
Use tools that meet safety requirements
Carry first-aid supplies in your pocket or on your belt
Park your car facing the way home, so it is easier to drive for help
Carry a mobile phone
Whenever possible, do not work at the felling site alone! If there is no other way, leave word of where you are and when you will be back
Do not work at the felling site in strong wind, thunderstorms, fog, visibility-limiting heavy snowfall or icy conditions

Before first use, read the entire operating manual, as failure to follow the safety instructions can be life-threatening.

• Minors must not operate a chainsaw
• Keep children, animals and bystanders at a safe distance.
• Anyone operating a chainsaw must be in good physical shape.
• Do not work alone.
• Use only original accessories.
• Wear the work clothing and equipment prescribed by the regulations.
• Wear safety footwear with a gripping sole.
• Wear a safety helmet, safety goggles and ear protection.
• Wear sturdy gloves.
• When transporting the chainsaw, always switch off the engine and fit the guide-bar cover onto the saw chain.
• Carry the chainsaw only by the handle.
• Switch off the engine before refuelling.
• Check that the chainsaw is in good working order before starting.
• Start it at least 3 m away from the refuelling place and not in enclosed spaces. Only one person operates the chainsaw - do not allow more people in the working area! - not even when starting! Engage the chain brake before starting!
• Do not throw the chainsaw down! - the chain keeps running for a little while by inertia after the throttle is released.
• Never operate a chainsaw, not even a machine with a catalytic converter, in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, as a chainsaw emits toxic exhaust fumes.
• Do not smoke while using the chainsaw or near it! - risk of explosion!
• Always hold the chainsaw with both hands - right hand on the rear handle!
• No part of the body should be left within the swing range of the saw chain.

Working at height - use only a step ladder or safety equipment intended for arborists.

When working on a slope, always stand above the tree trunk or fallen tree, or beside it.

Avoid pull-in and kickback!

Before felling, make sure of the following:

• only people directly involved in the felling may be in the felling area
• whether everyone has an unobstructed escape route - diagonally backwards
• whether the workplace at the trunk is unobstructed
• whether all workers have firm footing
• the tree's natural lean
• unusually heavy branching
• wind direction and wind speed – do not fell in strong wind!
• a distance to the next workplace of at least 2 1/2 tree lengths
• make sure the falling tree does not endanger anyone - shouts may not be heard over the noise of the engine

When felling:

• clear the trunk and the area around it of obstructing branches and brush
• clean the base of the trunk properly – with an axe. Sand, stones and other foreign objects blunt the saw chain

Overview of the safety equipment on offer: