Seasoned Forestry Worker Killed in Logging Accident

The following article and enclosed coroners report contains disturbing content related to a fatal workplace accident.

A coroner has determined that Raymond Ross Penney, a 64-year-old forestry worker, died on 27 August 2021, from chest and abdominal injuries after being crushed by a regrowth tree. The accident occurred while Penney, who had 45 years of experience in the industry, was assisting in the mechanical felling of a separate old growth tree at a work site in south west Geeveston, Tasmania.

Penney, who was the “bush boss” or leading hand for his employer, PL & NR Voss, and was known as a cautious and highly experienced employee, was struck by a smaller regrowth tree that was brought down by the larger tree’s fall.

The coroner’s report notes that the regrowth tree was in a “machinery exclusion zone” (MEZ) to protect a nearby waterway. While Penney and another worker, Chris Harvey, had discussed the risks, Penney believed they could not fell the regrowth tree due to its location in the MEZ.

After the accident, it was found that the tree could have been accessed and felled by machinery without violating the exclusion zone.

The investigation into the death highlighted several issues within the forestry operation and the industry at large.

An inadequate safety plan – the company’s Forest Operation Safety Plan (FOS) had a “high risk of serious injury or death” listed for snags and old growth trees. However, the control measures were found to be generic, and the FOS did not clearly direct when a licensed manual feller should be used for assessment or felling.

Lack of a qualified feller on site –  despite Penney’s prior experience as a licensed manual tree feller, he had not renewed his license since 2017. The Voss operation, therefore, did not have a qualified manual feller on site. The coroner found that if a qualified manual tree feller had been on site and assessed the tree, it might have been felled with a more predictable outcome.

Improper equipment use –  the felling was performed with a feller buncher, which was used to push, not cut, the tree. This was found to be contrary to the manufacturer’s specifications. The manufacturer’s manual included a warning that using the machine in ways other than intended “could result in serious injury or death”.

Conflicting aims – the coroner noted a tension between safety and environmental protection. The restrictions placed on the work site to protect waterways and wildlife can constrain how forestry operations are conducted, which in turn impacts the safety of the workers.

The coroner’s findings included recommendations for improving safety, such as ensuring that safety plans precisely identify all hazardous trees and provide clear control measures.

The report also suggested that consideration be given to merging the Forest Safety and Practices Codes to include clearer directions for dealing with hazardous trees and a process for resolving conflicts between safety and environmental restrictions.

The report concluded with a finding that Penney’s death was a result of the tragic accident and conveyed sincere condolences to his family.

Full coroner’s report here.