FROM THE FIELD: Alex Betnar
Forestry and logging work can change quickly. What appears to be a routine task can become hazardous when conditions change, trees react unexpectedly, or workers become so focused on the task that they lose sight of the hazards surrounding them.
Whether you’re felling, limbing, bucking, loading, or working around mobile equipment, taking a few moments to assess the work area can prevent incidents before they occur, and create a safer workspace for everyone involved.
Why forestry safety matters:
Unlike many workplaces, forestry operations often take place in remote areas where ground conditions, weather, visibility, and tree stability can change throughout the day.
Trees under tension, dead or damaged limbs, hidden obstacles, and moving equipment all present major hazards that may not be immediately obvious. Maintaining awareness of these changing conditions is essential for protecting yourself and those working around you.
Common Hazards in Forestry Operations:
The following are some of the most commonly encountered hazards in the forestry and logging field:
- Dead, damaged, or leaning trees that may fall in unanticipated directions.
- Widowmakers, such as broken tops or hanging branches, that can fall without warning.
- Hung-up trees that become lodged in other trees and remain unstable.
- Chainsaw kickback, or loss of control when footing is poor or cutting at awkward angles or positions.
- Rolling, shifting, or suspended logs that can move unexpectedly during handling or transport.
- Heavy equipment movement in active work zones where visibility is limited.
How to reduce the risks:
1. Look up, look down, look around
Before starting any task, it is crucial to take the time to assess the entire work area and conduct a thorough hazard assessment. Look for hazards such as unstable trees, uneven ground, obstructed escape routes, overhead hazards, nearby workers, and any equipment that is in use or in motion around you.
2. Never assume a tree will fall as planned
Tree lean, wind conditions, decay, and surrounding trees can all affect the direction of a fall. Remain alert, clear the area, and be prepared for unexpected movement.
3. Keep a clear escape route
Before making a cut, identify a path away from the expected direction of fall and ensure it remains clear of brush, debris, and tripping hazards.
4. Stay visible and communicate
Maintain contact with co-workers and equipment operators whenever possible. Clear communication helps ensure everyone understands where work is taking place and what hazards may be present.
5. Stop and reassess when conditions change
Hazard assessments and the continuous reassessment of hazards should never be considered a one-time task to complete at the beginning of your shift, and then forget about for the rest of the day. Ongoing hazard reassessment is a critical and essential process. Factors like high winds, poor visibility, changing ground conditions, and unstable timber can greatly increase the risks and hazards in your work environment. If something feels or looks wrong, stop and take a moment to reassess the entire area before continuing.
Key takeaway:
In forestry and logging, hazards are often hidden and not always obvious. A dead limb overhead, a lodged tree, or a log under tension can turn a routine task into a serious incident in mere seconds. Staying aware of your surroundings, following all safe work procedures, and taking the time to assess potential hazards before beginning any work are some of the best ways to ensure that everyone goes home safely at the end of the day. Prioritizing safety in our workplaces and ensuring we all get home safely should always be our top priority and main focus.
