Woodchipper incident (23 August 2021)
An incident information release about a worker being injured while using woodchipping machinery.
A 28-year-old worker was feeding tree branches into a woodchipper when a rope attached to the branches became caught in the blades and wrapped around the worker’s legs causing serious leg injuries.
Safety information
This is the fourth serious incident involving wood-chipping machinery in the past two years. Two incidents led to workers being killed, while the other two resulted in serious injuries.
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with tree work.
Control measures
When using a woodchipper you must:
Before work commences
- do pre-start checks to make sure everything works properly, including emergency stops and control bar
- operate according to manufacturer’s instructions
Create a safe operating environment
- establish and enforce exclusion zones around the woodchipper
- make sure there are always at least two competent workers who have specific training on the machine being used
- make sure it's never left unattended while operating
Remove hazards
- make sure nothing is entangled in material before it’s fed into the woodchipper
- keep unnecessary ropes away from the work area
Operate safely
- ensure the work area is kept clear for workers to stand and identify any hazards
- feed branches off the centre line - the operator feeding the branches into the woodchipper should do so from the side
- use a ‘push-stick’ at least 1.5 metres long to feed shorter material into the machine
- stop the feed mechanism before reaching into the chute
More information
- Amenity Tree Industry – SafeWork NSW (Code of Practice)
- Guidance material on tree work - SafeWork NSW
- Tree work self-assessment checklist - SafeWork NSW
- Tree work industry action plan - SafeWork NSW
- Tree work action plan: outcomes – SafeWork NSW
- Guide to managing risks of tree trimming and removal – SafeWork Australia