Review of European chainsaw fatalities, accidents and trends

Abstract

The inherent risks in arboriculture, particularly in the use of chainsaws, and the mobility of European and international tree workers have underlined the need for the harmonisation of skills certification. Imperfect interpretation and a wide variation in chainsaw operator training and certification is both a serious trans-national (regional) and international issue. After a mapping process reviewing the standards of several countries together with subsequent standard setting and evaluation events, a foundation for international chainsaw standards was established. Further developments led to the formation of an international digital chainsaw operator skills register and an Awarding Body Association for quality assurance purposes.

Keywords::

• chainsaw
• felling
• accidents
• fatalities
• safety

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to the Leonardo da Vinci “Evaluation and Implementation of Chainsaw Operators Certification” project team and the UK national agency Ecorys for their support. We are also grateful for the help received from Francis Hirst of the Health and Safety Executive and Emily Ramsay of the Forestry Commission relating to national statistics and case studies.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

William Robb

William Robb is Managing Director and Senior Consultant of A1 Arborists Ltd. He is a Fellow of the Arboricultural Association, a Chartered Forester, freelance Lecturer and expert witness in Arboriculture. William designs, manages and collaborates in international projects aimed at improving the health and safety culture within tree work. He has been an active and qualified skills instructor and assessor, operating internationally since 1990.

Jonathan Cocking

Jonathan Cocking is Managing Director of JCA Limited Arboricultural Consultants. He is a Registered Consultant of the Arboricultural Association, a Chartered Biologist, a Chartered Arboriculturist and is regularly called upon as an expert witness in tree-related accident court cases. Jonathan represents the Arboricultural Association on the European Arboricultural Council and operates as a consultant internationally.