Australian Tree Service Safety Data Infographic
Tree workers remove damaged trees, trim branches, and keep our areas safe. Safe Work Australia data shows this job comes with many dangers. This report explains the main safety risks tree workers face every day.
Tree Workers Face 28x Higher Death Rate
Arboriculture Australia 2018 reports tree workers have a death rate 28 times higher than the average Australian worker. This number shows how dangerous tree work really is.
Tree Work Is Very High Risk
Tree work as one of the most dangerous jobs in Australia. Many deaths happen during tree cutting. Tree workers face dangers every day that can cause death or injury.
Seven Serious Accidents in 2024
Safe Work NSW responded to seven serious tree work accidents by July 2024. These accidents caused deaths from falls and workers being hit by falling objects. When tree work accidents happen, they often cause very bad injuries.
Four Main Dangers in Tree Work
Safe Work data shows four main things that hurt tree workers in Australia:
- Falls from high places
- Getting hit by falling branches or logs
- Touching power lines
- Accidents with equipment
| Danger | What Happens | How to Stay Safe |
|---|---|---|
| Falls | Workers fall from trees or lifts | Use safety harnesses and secure ladders |
| Hits | Branches or logs fall on workers | Stay out of drop zones, use hard hats |
| Power lines | Workers touch hidden electric lines | Check for lines before work starts |
| Equipment | Chainsaws and other tools cause cuts | Wear safety gear, get proper training |
Why Tree Work Is So Dangerous
The very high death rate comes from these job dangers:
- Working up high in trees
- Trees that can break in surprise ways
- Using sharp, powerful cutting tools
- Bad weather making work harder
- Working far from hospitals
Safety Rules All Companies Must Follow
Australian safety laws say tree service companies must:
- Train all workers properly
- Check all equipment every day
- Plan each job carefully
- Watch weather conditions
- Make sure workers can talk to each other
Trained Workers Are Safer Workers
Workers with proper training have fewer accidents. Workers who know the right way to cut trees stay safer. Getting the right training is very important in this job.
What You Should Check Before Hiring Tree Workers
If you hire a tree service, always check if:
- they have insurance
- workers have proper training
- the company has a good safety record
- they check for dangers before starting
- workers wear safety gear
Making Tree Work Safer
The tree service business keeps making safety better using accident data. New safety equipment helps protect workers from falls and cuts. Safety experts track accidents to find better ways to prevent them.
Tree Service Safety Data in Australia Infographic
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This infographic was designed by the team at Trusted Tree Lopping, Brisbane’s top arborists.
