A contractor from Dorset has been fined after a tree fell onto a forestry worker and left him with life-changing injuries.
The 61-year-old man, who was 58 at the time, is now paralysed from the stomach down after the 21-metre ash tree landed on top of him, at The Fonthill Estate in Salisbury, Wiltshire on 12 January 2022.
The Contractor who had been contracted as part of an ash dieback clearance programme, had been cutting the tree before it fell.
The Contractors were making a back cut to the tree when it fell in the wrong direction.
It then landed on the injured worker, who was standing in a nearby bridle path.
The worker, from Somerset, sustained eight broken ribs, a broken pelvis, two broken ankles, a collapsed lung and internal bleeding.
He was placed in an induced coma for two weeks and spent four months in hospital.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the contractor, who was in charge of the tree falling, failed to implement a safe working zone around the tree. A safe working zone is usually twice the size of the tree. The tree fell in the unintended direction as the cut made by the contractor did not leave a functioning hinge.
The contractor of Dorset pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £1,000 in costs at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on 15 October 2024.
HSE inspector said: “This was a serious incident that has led to an individual sustaining life-changing injuries, meaning he is now unable to work and requires lifelong care.
“The contractor failed to create a safe working zone around the tree while it was being cut down – this is a standard working practice for tree falling in woodland.
“He failed to implement the correct control measures and a safe system of work. Had the contractor done this, then this incident would have been prevented and the individual would not be paralysed and facing the rest of his life without the use of his legs.”
This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer, Gemma Zakrzewski and supported by HSE paralegal officer, Gabrielle O’Sullivan.
SOURCE: HSE
At MBO Safety Services Ltd, we ensure your workplace is safe and compliant through:
· Risk Assessments: Identifying hazards and implementing control measures to ensure safety.
· Safe Working Practices: Creating step-by-step procedures for all personnel.
If you’re unsure of your company’s needs, our experienced consultants can visit, conduct a thorough audit, identify gaps, and develop an action plan to ensure compliance and safety. Feel free to get in touch by email info@mbo.ltd or phone 08000842297 to find out more.