What's Happening?
A fatal accident inquiry into the death of Andrew Pirie, a landscape gardener, has concluded that his death was avoidable. Pirie died in June 2020 after being struck by a tree trunk during tree-felling work in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Sheriff Andrew Miller
determined that the accident could have been prevented with better safety measures, such as clearly identifying and marking a drop zone and using safer methods to control falling timber. The Arboricultural Association has been urged to increase awareness of its code of practice for tree work at height and consider revising its guidelines. The Association has acknowledged the recommendations and is reviewing its technical guidance.
Why It's Important?
The ruling underscores the critical need for stringent safety protocols in the tree-cutting industry to prevent similar tragedies. It highlights the potential risks faced by workers in this field and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines. The case may prompt industry-wide changes, leading to improved safety standards and practices. This could benefit workers by reducing the risk of accidents and fatalities, while also potentially impacting the operational procedures of companies involved in tree-felling activities.
