Wood chipper– Leg amputation

The purpose of this Safety Alert is to highlight the dangers associated with the use of ropes in the vicinity of wood chippers.

Background

A worker has had a leg partially amputated while assisting with tree removal work. The NT WorkSafe investigation indicates that a length of rope was dragged into the chipper at speed, catching the workers leg and causing the injury. At the time of incident the worker was not in close proximity of the feed table.

Contributing factors

• Excess material in the work area which could become tangled in branches being dragged into he wood chipper.
• Ropes used in the work area not adequately stored (winch, climbing, work ropes).
• Feeding branches/logs/trees which contain foreign objects into the wood chipper.
• Inadequate hazard identification and risk assessment.
• Lack of information, training, instruction and supervision of inexperienced workers in tree lopping activities.

Action required

• Check that nothing is entangled in material for chipping before it is fed into the wood chipper.
• Keep any ropes not in use away from the work area, especially where branches are being dragged into the wood chipper.
• Feed the wood chipper from the side of the feed table.
• Ensure that excess rope is secured.  For example, use a rope bag or a retractable system.
• Ensure the provision of information, training, instruction and supervision of workers in relation to hazards and risks associated with the use of the wood chipper.

Further information

Code of practice

• How to manage work health and safety risks

Safety alerts

• Safety Alert - Tree lopper leg amputation - WorkSafe Western Australia

Guides

• Model Code of Practice - Managing risk of plant in the workplace - Safe Work Australia
• Guidance Note - Woodchipper safety devices - WorkSafe Victoria