Over the past six years, more than 200 people have had fatal accidents while working in the forest in Austria. That’s an average of 33 deaths per year. 2023 was already a dramatic year with 36 deaths – but unfortunately it could get even worse. This year, 39 people have already died in the forest, most of them (13) in Styria!
An accident analysis by the Road Safety Board shows that last year a quarter of fatal injuries were hit by a tree that was felled or became trapped under it. 19 percent died because they were caught by moving logs or rhizomes. 17 percent died from falling branches. More than ten percent of deaths were due to errors in operating or securing machines.
In 2023, 36 people died in local forests, an all-time record number that will unfortunately be surpassed this year. In November there were already 39 deaths in the forests, 13 of which were in Styria alone.
“The causes are complex”
But why is the number so high in this country? Martin Krondorfer is head of the forestry training center in Pichl and has no clear explanation for this. “Forest work has not become more dangerous. I would even say it is less dangerous because the technical equipment has improved a lot in the last ten years.”
In addition, a lot is invested in training and further training. “Many forest owners have recognized the need to develop further in this area and to wear appropriate protective clothing.” All this would contradict the current number of accidents during forest work.
One explanation for the fact that the number of accidents is higher in Styria is that there is more forest area in the Green Mark than in other states. “Landowners use their forests to supplement their income or even make a living from it,” says Krondorfer. Many of those injured in the accident are 70 years or older. That would have to do with the ownership structures. “They are quite small, especially in southern Styria.” It is clear that the older generation is doing some of the necessary forestry work.
Exercise and fitness are lacking
“But forest work is not routine work. This means you only use a chainsaw and a tractor with a winch when necessary. The practice factor is missing, as is the fitness and knowledge about safe forest work,” the expert emphasizes. Older forest owners in particular still tend to refuse the necessary protective equipment.
This often leads to incorrect assessment of the situation, failure to maintain safe distances or simply staying in dangerous areas. “These are the greatest risks of accidents. An accident does not just happen out of the blue, an accident is caused by incorrect actions or failure to recognize a dangerous situation!”
“Work calmly, thoughtfully, no hurry!”
What would be the advice to people who have to work in the forest? Krondorfer: “Correctly assessing your own abilities, using the right tools, wearing protective equipment, keeping a safe distance and avoiding hectic pace, i.e. working calmly and carefully, are important factors in preventing accidents. minimize.”
He also recommends continuing your education periodically. “This affects not only casual forest workers, but also professionals.” And if you don’t have the confidence to do the job or don’t have the time, you need to call in the professionals to help you! “Caring for and managing your own forest and making the valuable raw material wood available to society is a wonderful activity. But never forget: forestry can be very dangerous under the wrong conditions!”
All information about further training at the Pichl forestry training center can be found here.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
