AFAG Initial Notifications - 2025
Arboriculture & Forestry Fatalities
April 2025 - AFAG Fatal Notification - Struck by an object (tree trunk)
Initial notification is that a person was struck by a falling tree trunk whilst involved in the unloading of them from a trailer.
Links to relevant published guidance (HSE and industry publications) - Guidance can be found on the HSE Tree work health & safety web site, the Arboricultural Association and the Forestry Industry Safety Accord (FISA) website. Also:
Key messages to promote
Loading and unloading trailers / forwarder trailers can kill or seriously injure people at work or passers-by if not done safely.
Key messages are:
- People should be kept out of the work area when loading and unloading timber.
- Loading and unloading operations are only carried out by trained and competent persons.
- Machinery and equipment is suitable for the task and is well-maintained.
- Any maintenance or adjustments are carried out safely in accordance with the manufacturer’s handbook. Engine off, all power isolated and any stored energy is released.
- Ensure that the timber is safely stacked on the trailer and properly secured. The load restraint system must be sufficient for the material carried and take account of product length, product weight etc. Do not load above the headboard or above stanchions and pins.
- People understand the increased risks of operating in a remote site environment and know what to do in the event of emergency.
January 2025 - AFAG Fatal Notification - Struck by (branch)
Initial notification is that a worker was killed while working in a tree. He was struck by a branch.
The HSE are sharing these notifications. Because the incidents are under investigation exact details will not be available and will not be provided with these notifications (either because the facts haven’t’ been established or release may prejudice enquiries).
Sharing of these notifications helps to raise awareness of broad themes around risk management and promote safety messages.
These notifications should not be seen as a definitive record of the number of fatalities in any particular period or sector of industry (some fatalities may turn out to be not reportable, or be allocated to other HSE Sectors when details are fully known eg amenities). Formal figures are released annually through HSE’s ‘Fatal injuries in Great Britain’ report: Statistics - Fatal injuries in Great Britain (hse.gov.uk)
Additionally the HSE may also share relevant agricultural initial notifications when sent out to agricultural stakeholders particularly if they may be of use to the forestry / arboriculture industries, for example situations that are common to all sectors eg relevant machinery incidents, chainsaw injuries, and working at height matters.