Fall From Delimber – Operator Injured

Hazard Alert

Fall from Machine – Operator Injured

A delimber operator was helping to install a new delimber head on his machine. He was standing on the roof of his cab, approximately 14 feet above the ground, tightening bolts with a socket wrench when the socket suddenly slipped. He lost his balance, fell backwards off the cab and landed on a woodpile. He suffered multiple injuries to his back, pelvis and head.

Recommendations to Prevent a Recurrence

  1. Anyone working at a height should take great care to avoid falling by cleaning up oil or grease spills, removing debris, maintaining three-point contact at all times, and by using a safety line wherever possible.
  2. Ensure that workers performing service on machines are qualified and properly instructed to do the job safely.
  3. Fall protection must be provided for workers exposed to a fall hazard of more than 3 metres (10 feet).

Goals of the FSSNS

  • Save lives and reduce injuries.
  • Reduce all costs associated with work place accidents.
  • Improve profits.
  • Maintain compliance with regulatory bodies.
  • Manage and establish ownership of industry managed loss control programs.
  • Reduce Workers' Compensation rates.
The Forestry Safety Society of Nova Scotia is registered under the Societies Act of Nova Scotia. It is a separate entity, having a Memorandum of Association and By-Laws. The Society is governed by a Board of Directors, representing all sectors of the forest industry.