Tree Lopping

Five deaths have occurred in separate incidents in the Sydney area alone over the past 24 months involving tree lopping activities.

Likely Causes:

- Lack of site/activity specific risk assessment and control planning

- Inappropriate work methods used

- Inappropriate use of mobile plant

- Lack of supervision

- No emergency planning in place


Analysis of Incidents
Falls from height and struck by falling objects:

- Three fatalities involved falls from height [8 metres and above]

- Two fatalities involved being struck by falling branches/tree trunks.


Results of Investigations
Investigations into these five incidents have determined the following workplace controls need to be initiated:

1. A risk assessment and safe work method shall be undertaken for every work activity involving tree lopping [in consultation with employees on the job] and shall include:

- setting up of a ‘SAFE WORK ZONE AND ESCAPE ROUTE’ prior to commencing work

- consider risks associated with chainsaws at height and initiate appropriate controls

- plan and organise the positioning and safe use of access equipment i.e. elevating work platforms or climbing, fall prevention and fall arrest equipment


2. Under no circumstances shall a crane be used as a work platform with workers attached directly to the crane via a harness or other means. Instead, plant designed for height access such as elevating work platforms shall be used.

3. Where it is not reasonably practical to use an elevating work platform, then industrial rope access equipment should be used by trained competent persons.


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