Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania.

Done it · 6th August 2010, 12:16 AM

Falling tree kills arborist in Tasmania - Yahoo!7

Eric Frei · 6th August 2010, 08:50 AM

Something sounds fishy for sure.

Quote:

August 5, 2010

A tree lopper has died after a tree fell on him in Tasmania's Tamar Valley.

The incident happened at Deviot, northwest of Launceston, about 2.40pm (AEST) on Thursday, police said.

The victim, a 35-year-old man, was clearing roadside trees to make way for roadworks when a eucalypt he was cutting fell towards him unexpectedly.

The man was unconscious when paramedics arrived and he died at the scene.
Police and Workplace Standards Tasmania inspectors have examined the scene and the coroner will investigate the death.

Pete · 6th August 2010, 10:09 AM

This was no lopper. This one of the industry's finest. I have never met a more thorough, warm-hearted, generous and innovative fellow in any area of endeavour.

He contributed a link between Arborists on a global scale.

His name has not as yet been released so I don't feel I ought to yet.

This is a tragedy for us of huge proportions and a monumental loss to the industry worldwide.
Pete Goding

Jeff Darby · 6th August 2010, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

This was no lopper. This one of the industry's finest. I have never met a more thorough, warm-hearted, generous and innovative fellow in any area of endeavour.

He contributed a link between Arborists on a global scale.

His name has not as yet been released so I don't feel I ought to yet.

This is a tragedy for us of huge proportions and a monumental loss to the industry worldwide.
Pete Goding

What a shame, my condolences to his family, please keep us updated when you can speak of how this happened exactly.

R.I.P fellow treeworker.

Eric Frei · 6th August 2010, 10:50 AM

I wonder how he got struck?

I mean a tree falling toward you for an experienced faller????

Maybe it was stalled and he turned his back on it to go get something?

Maybe he slipped or fell, maybe it was a ditch or something?

Jeff Darby · 6th August 2010, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekka

I wonder how he got struck?

I mean a tree falling toward you for an experienced faller????

my thoughts aswell, it will all come out in the wash...

Pete · 6th August 2010, 11:31 AM

I would really like to see title of this thread corrected. I can't stand seeing my friend referred to as a lopper, when he was a fully qualified Arborist and tree-faller. Is there anything that can be done about this Eric?
We are in shock about all this at present. Analysis of the situation comes later.
Pete

Alby · 6th August 2010, 11:41 AM

He was one of the best and certainly no lopper! An absolute star of the industry, who dedicated his time to advancing the skills and safety to fellow arborists world wide! Great loss to the Arboriculture!

Jeff Darby · 6th August 2010, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

I would really like to see title of this thread corrected. I can't stand seeing my friend referred to as a lopper, when he was a fully qualified Arborist and tree-faller. Is there anything that can be done about this Eric?
We are in shock about all this at present. Analysis of the situation comes later.
Pete

I have changed the title on our thread, however we can not change the news report heading as that is out of our control.

Pete · 6th August 2010, 01:30 PM

Thank-you so much Jay. That was so quick and I really really appreciate it. You are a marvel.
best regards
Pete

Eric Frei · 6th August 2010, 02:07 PM

I changed the anchor text of the link though (first post).

Pete · 6th August 2010, 02:12 PM

Thank-you Eric. Very much appreciated. More news as it comes to hand.
best regards
Pete

TrevMcRev · 6th August 2010, 02:13 PM

I just got the news too....

Incredible. If this can happen to him......

We can only wait for more details on what happened.

Condolences to his loved ones, family & kids.

Drouin Tree Service · 6th August 2010, 02:46 PM

R.I.P

Sad to hear hope his family are doing as best they can.

Tree Solutions · 6th August 2010, 09:26 PM

Absolutely shocked and terribly sad to hear the awful news that one of our finest has been lost.

This accident represents a huge loss to arboriculture in Australia not to mention that of his family and loved ones.

Truly a devastating turn of events, my thoughts are with his young family his friends and co-workers.

Such a shame, I just cant understand how this could have happened ?

Pete · 6th August 2010, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tree Solutions

Absolutely shocked and terribly sad to hear the awful news that one of our finest has been lost.

This accident represents a huge loss to arboriculture in Australia not to mention that of his family and loved ones.

Truly a devastating turn of events, my thoughts are with his young family his friends and co-workers.

Such a shame, I just cant understand how this could have happened ?

I totally agree with all you've said. I'm very confident we will find out eventually what went wrong and how but this might take quite some time.

I understand there will be a Coroner's inquest into this tragedy and they are very thorough. I personally am just trying to get throught what has happenned and keep the "how?" and "why?" way back in my mind as something that I desperately hope will make some kind of awful sense--someday.
Pete Goding

Sunraysia Tree Solutions · 6th August 2010, 11:52 PM

I should not be writing this as I am not in the right head space now, but I found out that Scott Sharpe is dead. I know little else other than the incident occured in Tasmania possibly by a road side.

I had the pleasure of meeting Scott at Burnley, scott joined the group I graduated with late but fitted right in. Among many many other achievements he was Tasmainian Tree Climbing Champian, taught at NMIT, knowledge of splicing second to none, reguarly demonstred at conferances, but above all was a great bloke. As I said, I am absolutely gutted I know a lot of other peole knew scott much much bettter than I. My feeling and thoughts go out to them, as well as to Scott's family. It has me questioning why I am in this industry in the first place, it certainly cant be for the money.

jtrouse · 7th August 2010, 12:07 AM

RIP Scott you taught me and many other fellow class mates and this will be passed onto fellow arborists.

Thank you for bring such a great wealth of knowledge to the industry and you won't be forgotten.

RIP Mate.

Condolences to his family.

Nick C · 7th August 2010, 12:16 AM

I was shocked and shattered to hear the news today, actually I was 15m up the tree I was pruning when my boss told me. I didn't move for 5 minutes or so just thinking... so sad.

I was so lucky to have met him as he was my teacher for a brief period at TAFE. To have such an important figure in the arboricultural community teaching us was a gift and I haven’t forgotten his wise words and methods. I still use particular climbing techniques that he developed and created regularly.

And to think this could happen to someone of his calibre – it could happen to anyone.

The arboricultural community has lost a truly fantastic individual and we will not forget him.

My thoughts are with his family, friends and co-workers.

TrevMcRev · 7th August 2010, 04:39 PM

Here's some futher news on it:

Scott loved family, trees, Lord - Local News - News - General - The Examiner Newspaper

Quote:

Scott loved family, trees, Lord
07 Aug, 2010 12:00 AM

FRIENDS and colleagues of Launceston's Scott Sharpe have described him as a passionate, charismatic man unafraid to stand up for what he believed in.

Mr Sharpe, 35, was killed at Deviot on Thursday when struck by a gum tree he was felling.

Colleagues and Tasmania Ambulance Service personnel administered first aid, but Mr Sharpe died at the scene.

Known worldwide for his work in arboriculture, Mr Sharpe has climbed the tallest trees in Tasmania and some of the tallest hardwood trees in the world.

He previously told The Examiner of the satisfaction he felt after spending several hours working on a tree to leave it healthier than when he started.

As a competitor and official in tree climbing championships, Mr Sharpe claimed the Tasmanian championship three times and the Victorian title once.

He also volunteered in clean- up operations in Kinglake following the Black Saturday bushfires.

Mr Sharpe leaves behind his wife Olivia and three daughters, Sahra, 9, Alissa, 6, and Esther, 2.

Former colleague and close friend Robert Murphy said Mr Sharpe had three main passions in life, his family, Jesus and trees.

"I was assistant pastor at the Christian Outreach Centre in Launceston and he came along to church, he came to Christ and his life turned around," Mr Murphy said.

"I got him to come and work with me in the tree industry and his passion for trees and the Lord just blossomed, he became so passionate about it."

Mr Sharpe later moved to Victoria, but returned 18 months ago and recently started his own business, Tree Remedies.

"He was just appointed head technician for the Australian Tree Climbing Championships and was on the board for the World Tree Climbing Championships, he was about to go to New Zealand," Mr Murphy said.

"There will be a lot of people at his funeral, he made friends wherever he went, all over the world.

"The Victorians were sad when he left, Tasmania was excited to have him back."

Mr Sharpe had pushed to develop a statewide industry body to improve safety on the job.

Joining him on his campaign was Hobart-based arborist Jerry Romanski, who said even highly trained arborists such as Mr Sharpe put their lives in danger on a regular basis.

"Scott was a very skilled and very productive member of the industry and he's worked himself recently, as well as in industry bodies, to improve safety standards," he said.

"Our industry is very poorly regulated and there are not adequate licensing requirements to carry out the work that we do - they're most certainly putting their lives at risk.

"We need to have industry members licensed to carry out the work we do because at the moment anyone with a chainsaw can carry out tree surgery.

"Scott was very passionate about trees and the technical aspects of arboriculture, he was a terrific technician and innovator."

Tree Solutions · 7th August 2010, 04:52 PM

VTIO also has some info

Scott Sharpe

sueann · 8th August 2010, 01:42 PM

This is so sad.

It's a very dangerous job you guys do.

Notahacker · 9th August 2010, 02:30 AM

My prayers to the famly.

tree c · 9th August 2010, 12:34 PM

Very few people in this world have had such an impact as Scott Sharpe.His dedication to the arboricultural industry was out standing and a credit to him .Everyone that meet Scott got the same person.caring ,giving,and above all non judgemental. He vulunteered his time to advance an industry that was screaming out for help.Scott your legacy will never be forgotten and arbor camp QLD this year is dedicated to you.To his family my heart goes out to you.To his many friends remember the great man and stay safe.On friday the 13th at 10 am his body will be put to rest but his spirit will live on .Please take a minute on friday to remember a great man.
Cheers Scott Sharpe

Simon

ps this man was no lopper

Pete · 9th August 2010, 06:10 PM

Beautifully put Simon.
Pete Goding

Tim Craig · 9th August 2010, 07:02 PM

Depressing news, he sounded like a great guy to know and work with, sad loss to the industry.

billypot · 12th August 2010, 01:19 AM

would to like to pass my condolences to tree world on the tragic accident in tasmania of one of your respected members ,Scott Sharpe.I watched Scott grow up inTasmania, he was always interested in nature &the outdoors .he turned out to be a great human being .he will be dearly missed by all who knew him R>I>P> Scott.now you can fly above your beloved trees &watch over their care. Tubby Bakes Nerang ,queensland, Australia.

Ace Master · 12th August 2010, 06:48 PM

My deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends.

R.I.P

ACE

Mark G · 12th August 2010, 08:02 PM

Condolences to those involved and the family.I realise this is still raw for those involved any idea on how this happened?

Eric Frei · 18th August 2010, 07:45 PM

A few people have spoken with me on the phone and when I talk about the investigation into failed felling practices in Tasmania they don't recall it.

So here is that thread.

Tree Safety| Falling techniques investigated by OHS| 10 out of 17 FAIL!

Eventually we will find out the facts of this case, and that will be the determining factor on that specific tree whether or not it was an operational error or Act of God.

Sadly in either case the man is no longer with us, leaving behind a young family, and that alone is the tragedy of this situation regardless of the circumstances.

I know from working out there the influences and pressure to get things done. You want 100% accurate work and cuts but get away with 95% .... then 90% and so on. Everything still goes OK but over time you can be developing sloppy work practices and the percentage is sliding down and down, you perhaps even get badgered and hen pecked by your peers "come on mate we do want to get home tonight, she'll be right just cut it!"

Be careful out there and make every cut right, analyse it and if it's not right try to improve on the next one.

6th August 2010, 12:16 AM	#1
Done it Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Australia. Posts: 784	Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. Falling tree kills arborist in Tasmania - Yahoo!7 Last edited by Jeff Darby; 6th August 2010 at 01:16 PM. Reason: title change/respect

6th August 2010, 10:09 AM	#3
Pete Sappling Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Launceston, Tasmania Posts: 15	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. This was no lopper. This one of the industry's finest. I have never met a more thorough, warm-hearted, generous and innovative fellow in any area of endeavour. He contributed a link between Arborists on a global scale. His name has not as yet been released so I don't feel I ought to yet. This is a tragedy for us of huge proportions and a monumental loss to the industry worldwide. Pete Goding Last edited by Jeff Darby; 6th August 2010 at 01:19 PM. Reason: title change/respect

6th August 2010, 10:50 AM	#5
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. I wonder how he got struck? I mean a tree falling toward you for an experienced faller???? Maybe it was stalled and he turned his back on it to go get something? Maybe he slipped or fell, maybe it was a ditch or something? __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist Last edited by Jeff Darby; 6th August 2010 at 01:20 PM. Reason: title change/respect

6th August 2010, 11:31 AM	#7
Pete Sappling Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Launceston, Tasmania Posts: 15	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. I would really like to see title of this thread corrected. I can't stand seeing my friend referred to as a lopper, when he was a fully qualified Arborist and tree-faller. Is there anything that can be done about this Eric? We are in shock about all this at present. Analysis of the situation comes later. Pete Last edited by Jeff Darby; 6th August 2010 at 01:21 PM. Reason: title change/respect

6th August 2010, 11:41 AM	#8
Alby Sappling Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Tasmania Posts: 26	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. He was one of the best and certainly no lopper! An absolute star of the industry, who dedicated his time to advancing the skills and safety to fellow arborists world wide! Great loss to the Arboriculture! Last edited by Jeff Darby; 6th August 2010 at 01:22 PM. Reason: title change/respect

6th August 2010, 01:30 PM	#10
Pete Sappling Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Launceston, Tasmania Posts: 15	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. Thank-you so much Jay. That was so quick and I really really appreciate it. You are a marvel. best regards Pete

6th August 2010, 02:07 PM	#11
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. I changed the anchor text of the link though (first post). __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

6th August 2010, 02:12 PM	#12
Pete Sappling Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Launceston, Tasmania Posts: 15	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. Thank-you Eric. Very much appreciated. More news as it comes to hand. best regards Pete

6th August 2010, 02:13 PM	#13
TrevMcRev Mature Tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Posts: 1,605	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. I just got the news too.... Incredible. If this can happen to him...... We can only wait for more details on what happened. Condolences to his loved ones, family & kids.

6th August 2010, 02:46 PM	#14
Drouin Tree Service Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 1,697	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. R.I.P Sad to hear hope his family are doing as best they can. __________________ Drouin Tree Services \| Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland \| Landclearing Melbourne

6th August 2010, 09:26 PM	#15
Tree Solutions Sappling Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Brisbane Posts: 14	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. Absolutely shocked and terribly sad to hear the awful news that one of our finest has been lost. This accident represents a huge loss to arboriculture in Australia not to mention that of his family and loved ones. Truly a devastating turn of events, my thoughts are with his young family his friends and co-workers. Such a shame, I just cant understand how this could have happened ?

6th August 2010, 11:52 PM	#17
Sunraysia Tree Solutions Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mildura Posts: 111	I'm gutted about Scott Sharpe I should not be writing this as I am not in the right head space now, but I found out that Scott Sharpe is dead. I know little else other than the incident occured in Tasmania possibly by a road side. I had the pleasure of meeting Scott at Burnley, scott joined the group I graduated with late but fitted right in. Among many many other achievements he was Tasmainian Tree Climbing Champian, taught at NMIT, knowledge of splicing second to none, reguarly demonstred at conferances, but above all was a great bloke. As I said, I am absolutely gutted I know a lot of other peole knew scott much much bettter than I. My feeling and thoughts go out to them, as well as to Scott's family. It has me questioning why I am in this industry in the first place, it certainly cant be for the money.

7th August 2010, 12:07 AM	#18
jtrouse Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Melbourne, Aus Posts: 63	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. RIP Scott you taught me and many other fellow class mates and this will be passed onto fellow arborists. Thank you for bring such a great wealth of knowledge to the industry and you won't be forgotten. RIP Mate. Condolences to his family. __________________ Regards Jim http://www.arborclimb.com.au CONTRACT CLIMBER CERT IV HORT(ARB) NMIT CERT III HORT (NMIT)

7th August 2010, 12:16 AM	#19
Nick C I'm new here so be nice Join Date: May 2010 Location: Melbourne Posts: 2	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. I was shocked and shattered to hear the news today, actually I was 15m up the tree I was pruning when my boss told me. I didn't move for 5 minutes or so just thinking... so sad. I was so lucky to have met him as he was my teacher for a brief period at TAFE. To have such an important figure in the arboricultural community teaching us was a gift and I haven’t forgotten his wise words and methods. I still use particular climbing techniques that he developed and created regularly. And to think this could happen to someone of his calibre – it could happen to anyone. The arboricultural community has lost a truly fantastic individual and we will not forget him. My thoughts are with his family, friends and co-workers.

7th August 2010, 04:52 PM	#21
Tree Solutions Sappling Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Brisbane Posts: 14	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. VTIO also has some info Scott Sharpe Last edited by Eric Frei; 7th August 2010 at 07:20 PM. Reason: changed link

8th August 2010, 01:42 PM	#22
sueann Former Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Hunter Valley Australia Posts: 599	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. This is so sad. It's a very dangerous job you guys do.

9th August 2010, 02:30 AM	#23
Notahacker Sappling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 16	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. My prayers to the famly. __________________ "Quality costs as much as it saves." My great uncle Simon Murphy

9th August 2010, 12:34 PM	#24
tree c Sappling Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: bribie island australia Posts: 12	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. Very few people in this world have had such an impact as Scott Sharpe.His dedication to the arboricultural industry was out standing and a credit to him .Everyone that meet Scott got the same person.caring ,giving,and above all non judgemental. He vulunteered his time to advance an industry that was screaming out for help.Scott your legacy will never be forgotten and arbor camp QLD this year is dedicated to you.To his family my heart goes out to you.To his many friends remember the great man and stay safe.On friday the 13th at 10 am his body will be put to rest but his spirit will live on .Please take a minute on friday to remember a great man. Cheers Scott Sharpe Simon ps this man was no lopper

9th August 2010, 06:10 PM	#25
Pete Sappling Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Launceston, Tasmania Posts: 15	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. Beautifully put Simon. Pete Goding

9th August 2010, 07:02 PM	#26
Tim Craig Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 132	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. Depressing news, he sounded like a great guy to know and work with, sad loss to the industry.

12th August 2010, 01:19 AM	#27
billypot I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: nerang q/ld Posts: 1	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. would to like to pass my condolences to tree world on the tragic accident in tasmania of one of your respected members ,Scott Sharpe.I watched Scott grow up inTasmania, he was always interested in nature &the outdoors .he turned out to be a great human being .he will be dearly missed by all who knew him R>I>P> Scott.now you can fly above your beloved trees &watch over their care. Tubby Bakes Nerang ,queensland, Australia. Last edited by Jeff Darby; 12th August 2010 at 07:52 AM. Reason: merged post to thread/changed title

12th August 2010, 06:48 PM	#28
Ace Master Mature tree Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Australia, Vic, Melbourne Posts: 387	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. My deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends. R.I.P ACE __________________ Website: The Mt Dandenong Ranges Tree Specialists YouTube: Ace Tree Master

12th August 2010, 08:02 PM	#29
Mark G Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: May 2007 Location: new zealand Posts: 55	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. Condolences to those involved and the family.I realise this is still raw for those involved any idea on how this happened?

18th August 2010, 07:45 PM	#30
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Re: Falling tree kills Arborist in Tasmania. A few people have spoken with me on the phone and when I talk about the investigation into failed felling practices in Tasmania they don't recall it. So here is that thread. Tree Safety\| Falling techniques investigated by OHS\| 10 out of 17 FAIL! Eventually we will find out the facts of this case, and that will be the determining factor on that specific tree whether or not it was an operational error or Act of God. Sadly in either case the man is no longer with us, leaving behind a young family, and that alone is the tragedy of this situation regardless of the circumstances. I know from working out there the influences and pressure to get things done. You want 100% accurate work and cuts but get away with 95% .... then 90% and so on. Everything still goes OK but over time you can be developing sloppy work practices and the percentage is sliding down and down, you perhaps even get badgered and hen pecked by your peers "come on mate we do want to get home tonight, she'll be right just cut it!" Be careful out there and make every cut right, analyse it and if it's not right try to improve on the next one. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

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