AFAG Initial Notifications

Arboriculture & Forestry Fatalities

October 2023 - Fatal Notification - Struck by (fence post)
Initial notification is that a person was hit and killed by a fence post. Fencing was being erected using a tractor mounted fence tensioning machine.

Key messages:

Fencing work is hazardous and serious injuries are not uncommon if risks are not controlled. People undertaking fencing work should be competent and follow a safe system of work, including checking the worksite and selecting appropriate tools and equipment. Before using machinery check:

• it is suitable for where it’s going to be used and capable of the task;
• operators have been trained and understand controls and warnings in the machine manual;
• people are kept well away from risk zones created during tensioning operations and aware of the risk of flying debris.
• fence posts are adequately installed and supported where necessary eg: on corners;
• it is compatible with any base machine, it is properly attached (where applicable) and safe to use;
• the machinery is maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations;
• all pre-use checks have been carried out. PPE is worn where required.

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.