Arboricultural Association
Press Releases

"LAST CUT SYNDROME"

A KEY MESSAGE FROM THE ARBORICULTURAL INDUSTRY

Five arborists died last year whilst at work. That's too many for a small industry. How close did you come?

Industry leaders have combined with the Health and Safety Executive to strive towards elimination of these tragic and devaststing incidents. The Arboricultural Association, International Society of Arboriculture, National Arborist Association and HSE have identified a common thread to these fatalities and provide a key message to all climbers and ground staff.

The Fatal Common Thread

Firstly, all these fatalities occurred at the end of the job. Secondly, they were all basic mistakes that should have been easily avoided. 

So what makes the end of the job so dangerous? Perhaps time is getting on, you're getting tired, concentration is slipping and poor work practices creep in. 

Or you've put all the kit away and see one last thing you've forgotten. A safe worker would unpack all the equipment and do the job properly. But it's tempting to cut corners to save effort and get it done quickly. We get away with taking chances most of the time but every now and again it goes wrong. The trouble is you don't know which time will be the fatal one.

Included in last years five fatalities were two arborists who were still anchored to the section they were dropping. The other three were making or had just made the final felling cut during felling or dismantling - all at the end of the job.

The key message:
~ Don't make your last cut your last cut ~

European Safety Week

As part of European Safety Week Paul Elcoat from Salcey Arborcare and Forestry is pushing safety hard. "A senior executive from our client, the railway maintenance company GTRM will work with one of my crews on the job" said Paul. "After that we all go to the classroom and openly discuss the day. A railway safety training video will also be shown. Should we find any acts or omisisons which fall short of industry best practice these will be rectified immediately".

Climbing tips

Rule 1: Getting going: always rigorously test-load your anchor point before leaving the ground 
Rule 2: Moving about: once in the tree always rigorously test-load your new anchor point before leaving your last anchor point
Rule 3: Before you cut: check you're not anchored to a point you are removing

Information and Training

Everyone involved in arboricultural work must be adequately trained and supervised. It is essential that levels of competence are sufficient for the tasks being performed. 

Detailed information and advice is available in a range of publications from the Arboricultural Association, International Society of Arboriculture National Arborist Association and HSE. Contact details follow.

~ Don't make your last cut your last cut ~

Press Release prepared by:

Arboricultural Association 01794 368717 www.trees.org.uk
Health and Safety Executive 08701 545500 www.hse.gov.uk
International Society of Arboriculture 0121 556 8302 www.isa-uki.org
National Arborist Association 01794 512367 www.natlarb.com