Tree company fined after worker left hanging

A tree lopping company was convicted and fined $15,000 following an incident in which an employee was knocked unconscious and left hanging from a tree.

Ranges Tree Works Pty Ltd pleaded guilty in Ringwood Magistrates’ Court to failing to provide a safe working environment and failing to provide a safe system of work.

The court was told that on 8 August 2011, an employee was cutting down a tree at a private home in Belgrave. He was being helped by two subcontractors employed by the company. The owner of the company was also present.

After removing the tree canopy and limbs, the employee was cutting the tree trunk into pieces that were then being lowered to the ground by a pulley and bollard device system.

As a 180 kg portion of the trunk was being lowered to the ground, a ratchet handle released, which caused the bollard to swing through the air and hit the employee in the head, leaving him unconscious and hanging in his harness. He also suffered a large cut to his face.

The court was told that, of the two subcontractors working as ground crew, one had only started as a tree lopper that day and had had no prior experience in the industry. Neither contractor had experience working at heights, or knew how to conduct an aerial rescue. There was also no emergency rescue equipment on site.

The court was told the injured man was rescued by a next-door neighbour, who had experience in emergency service operations, and his son.

Two former employees of Ranges Tree Works told the court that they had warned the owner of the company of the need to employ a second climber and to have rescue equipment on site.

The court was told that it was the first time WorkSafe had prosecuted a tree-lopping company for not having an aerial rescue procedure in place so there were no previous convictions available to help determine fines.

But the court heard that the company had since revamped its safety procedures. It now employed two climbers competent in tree climbing and aerial rescue and used a risk assessment plan for every job.

WorkSafe’s general manager of health and safety, Lisa Sturzenegger, said tree lopping was dangerous work and correct procedures were essential at all times.

“If a climber is injured or overcome, the rescue process should be automatic,” Sturzenegger said. “Every worker on site must know what to do and act accordingly and without delay.

“At least two workers in every crew should be trained for aerial rescue and emergency procedures must be practised regularly.”

Sturzenegger said there had been several fatalities in the industry in recent years, and serious injuries had included falls, being dragged into chipper in-feed rollers, being struck by materials ejected from chainsaws, or being hit by falling branches.

Sturzenegger said the conviction and fine for the company was a warning to the tree industry to make safety a priority.

“If you cut corners on safety, there is a serious risk of injury or death. And we will prosecute,” she said.