Fatal Forestry Accidents Rise in Austria

Fatal Forestry Accidents Rise in Austria

Image: APA/BARBARA GINDL

 

Thirty-eight forestry workers have already lost their lives in Austria this year, marking a record high in fatal accidents, the Austrian Road Safety Board (KFV) reported on Wednesday.

This number may yet rise before the year ends, the KFV cautioned. Last year, 36 people died in similar accidents, prompting the KFV to call for greater risk awareness, especially among private individuals working in forestry.

The victims’ ages ranged from 18 to 82, with a notable proportion aged over 60. While older workers often have considerable experience, they may underestimate the physical demands of forestry work. A key danger, according to the KFV, is that many forestry workers operate alone, leading to delays in first aid when accidents occur.

The number of fatal forestry incidents has climbed almost every year recently. In 2019, there were 27 such deaths. Many incidents have taken place in Styria and Lower Austria, where expansive forests and steep terrain significantly heighten the risks of forestry work.

“Fatal accidents typically happen when trees unexpectedly fall or become tangled during felling or clearing operations,” said Johanna Trauner-Karner, Head of the Sports and Leisure Safety Department at the KFV. Working with heavy machinery can also be deadly, such as when a tractor overturns on rough terrain. “Forestry workers, especially private individuals, need to be better informed about the risks, and attention should be paid to wearing suitable protective gear,” she added.

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