Dead tree stump falls and damages harvester

Scottish Woodlands Health & Safety Bulletin

A tree stump slid down a slope and struck the side of a Tigercat Harvester, smashing the protective polycarbonate side window and protruding into the operator’s cab. The operator suffered a minor cut to the index finger on their left hand and a minor scratch to their head. Their injuries did not affect their ability to work.

Learning points:

• Always select the most appropriate working methodology, competent operators and suitable machinery for working on windblown sites.
• As you work through areas of windblow on steep ground, if you identify loose windblown timber or stumps, which may slide away and endanger those working below, where practical, lift these and bed them securely in the brash mat.