Increased risk of accidents due to dry wood
Currently, the great drought of the past year is becoming more and more noticeable in the forests of Switzerland and Europe. Firs and beeches are particularly affected by the drought damage, along with other damage caused by ash shoot dieback and bark beetle infestation.
In the meantime, some municipalities prohibit the access to their Forests completely, in order to limit the risk of accidents due to falling branches or tree parts. Deadwood can indeed become a hazard in the area of public facilities such as forest playgrounds, roads, educational trails, etc. For agriculture and the upcoming logging season, this condition means an increased risk of accidents! While felling trees is already a dangerous activity in itself, felling dry trees or in the immediate vicinity of standing, dry wood is associated with an even much higher risk of accidents.
Assessing situations correctly
Before starting work in the forest, it is essential to assess the situation and, in particular, the condition of the standing Trees to assess. This assessment requires a great deal of experience, as many risk conditions are difficult to see and assess. The presence of dry branches, crown sections, and overall tree stability must be considered in the risk assessment. A small blow to a dry trunk can cause all or part of the tree to break.
Your community's forest service is available to assess your stand prior to forest operations.
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