Sydney man died cutting tree

Eric Frei · 25th October 2008, 06:31 PM

Man dies cutting down tree on Sydney property | The Australian

Quote:

October 25, 2008

A MAN has died while trying to cut a tree down on his property in Sydney's northwest, police said today.

The 40-year-old man was strapped into a harness while cutting branches off the tree at his residence on Popondetta Road, Blackett at about 10.20am (AEDT) today when the accident happened.

An ambulance spokeswoman said: “It appears he was cutting down a tree, wearing a harness and the (a branch) has hit him on the way down.

“He's still in his harness.”

Five paramedics were on the scene comforting the dead man's family while they tried to cut him down from his harness, she said.

Jeff Darby · 25th October 2008, 07:23 PM

My condolences to the family.

This is only about 20 mins from us,I used to live there around 6 years ago.It's a very much a do it your self area.

newguy18 · 26th October 2008, 02:37 AM

Shame to hear about that,my prayers go to the family.=(

chadd · 7th November 2008, 02:46 PM

thats a shame, but it goes to show the risks of our job and how most people think its easy.

OutofMytree · 9th November 2008, 04:15 PM

Its this sort of news story that adds to my belief that we need regulation in our industry. I will gladly pay a licensing fee and sit any exam in order to have a "tree work" license just as plumbers and electricians must have. It won't stop all accidents like this but it will save a few. It should be illegal to do your own aerial tree work just as it is illegal to wire up your own house unless you are suitably qualified.

TreeDimensional · 9th November 2008, 04:56 PM

Sad to here of another home-owner being killed by a tree. As I understand it this guy was a DIYer. Depending on where you live in OZ, there are circumstances where trees may be protected. Is this a case of someone wanting a tree removed, and can't obtain permission to remove it, and any qualified arborist wouldn't remove it unless the paperwork was in place? OR was it some un-informed DIY, that said " I can save some money if I do it myself, how hard can it be"?

In my part of the planet, there aren't any protected trees. Lord knows we need more trees to protect us from the wind. There is MORE work than ALL the good arborists can do, and there are people who DIY. There is the odd one that gets killed. You can only do so much to protect people from themselves.

RIP

newguy18 · 9th November 2008, 05:01 PM

It doesn't make it any easier that hardware stores sell chainsaw,rope and youtube has loads of treework videos,mostly bad but some good.I feel a smart ass comment coming on from a certain canadian.

TreeDimensional · 9th November 2008, 05:49 PM

Well newguy18, this is your lucky day, you ARE completely correct. The items you described ARE available just about anywhere. There are people out there who do tree work, for supplemental income that use the gear you mentioned. These part timers compete with operations that have all the equipment and toys. The thing that sets them apart is education and training.

Don't get me wrong, there are some operations that HAVE all the goodies, and still do poor, dangerous work. Like the old saying goes, "its not what you have, its how you use it".

In the last week, I have made an observation, it is nearly impossible to get quality training in N. America. Yes there is a reputable outfit in the US, and another smaller one in Canada, but travelling a good distance is a given when you live where I do.

I feel, we, as arborists have to make it known that even a small tree can have life changing ramifications, if there isn't respect for space and gravity. I wish I knew how to keep homeowners from putting themselves at risk, but I don't. Where I live, if a homeowner damages their own property while removing a tree, they have NO insurance coverage. Not perfect, but a bit of a start.

I had an exciting job offered to us on our anniversary. A multi-stemmed poplar wind-threw on a day-care centre. The policy was a commercial policy, and the crane guy we use was on site. However, as per the companies directive, they NEEDED a QUALIFIED ARBORIST to over-see the job. The manager of the day-care didn't even know what OR where she was going to find one of THOSE people. LOL, I managed to afford supper for my ground worker (wife), whoops, forgot, it took the ins. co 10 weeks to pay!

Gunslinger · 10th November 2008, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreeDimensional

Where I live, if a homeowner damages their own property while removing a tree, they have NO insurance coverage. Not perfect, but a bit of a start.

It's funny because around here if a homeowner drops a tree right through their house their insurance company will pay. You're actually insured for your own stupidity.

TreeDimensional · 10th November 2008, 03:25 AM

Hey slinger, I don't know about the paying for stupidity part. Someone is paying. I was talking to bigshea13 this summer, and I recommended a particular Co. I found out the tree companies in the NE United States are paying dearly for insurance, in a lot of cases, a lot of the better ins companies won't sell policies into that market.

Sorry for the thread derail, it is still sad that a homeowner died cutting his own tree. Does anyone have any more info on the accident?

chadd · 10th November 2008, 06:33 AM

as far as i know insurance companies in british columbia won't pay for your own mistake. they also will not pay if a dangerous/dead tree falls on your house because it is your own responsibility to take care of it before it becomes a problem.

in completing my faller certification i asked the board why there was no programs for climbers. i was informed the it is in the works and expected to be mandatory in the next year or two.

so thats a good hope to preventing something like this from happening.

The Tree Whisperer · 21st July 2009, 06:16 PM

Condolences to a family becuase he wanted to save a few bucks on hiring an appropriately trained professional, now it has cost a husband, father, son, uncle, potential grandfather, not to mention the loss of any income he may have earned over the rest of his working life for his family. WORTH IT!!!! no need to answer!! speaks for itself.

REGULATE,REGULATE,REGULATE,LICENCE,LICENCE,LICENCE,REGULATE,REGULATE,REGULATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

letigre · 21st July 2009, 10:53 PM

+1.

Eric Frei · 22nd July 2009, 12:01 AM

newguy18 · 22nd July 2009, 12:31 AM

does a BSA license apply to arbs to Eric?

Eric Frei · 22nd July 2009, 12:39 AM

No it doesn't, however the concept is what I'm trying to reinforce.

Jeff Darby · 22nd July 2009, 07:06 AM

It's like your number plate on your car, you are accountable, had to show qualifications, work referances,insurances and industry experience to get this license.

In the ninetees when this type of license ( Gold License ) was first conceived it was blasted over the radios to only use gold card holders for your building work.

At least Joe Blow knew this man/women had satisfied a governing body he or she was worthy of holding the gold card, and held insurance and was properly trained.

It did wipe out a lot of shonky operators.

Victor Lindsay · 22nd July 2009, 07:52 AM

I'm against the licensing issue. It would not have stop this tragic accident. But it would help our pricing.

The Tree Whisperer · 22nd July 2009, 09:45 AM

hey vl2007,
Licencing can be an issue, the question here is not so much that it would have stopped this guy dying but perhaps Maybe if he even knew what an arborist was, and had an understanding of the dangers of the work that we do then he would have hired one and thought twice about doing the job.

People I meet say "what do you do" oh "Oh I'm an Arborist", "A What!", "what does that mean" is usually the common answer.

Log into You Tube and type in Backyard tree disasters and see how many vids come up about tree felling accidents. WHY does this happen so frequently? because the industry is so introverted And it seems that the arboricultural professional industry bodies do very little to promote the industry to the public. thats why it needs to be licenced and regulated.

When the GOLD licence for builders came in it was The Master Builders Association that promoted it mainly

25th October 2008, 07:23 PM	#2
Jeff Darby Moderator - Previously known as JayD Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: TreeWorld, Sydney Australia Posts: 2,031	Re: Sydney man died cutting tree My condolences to the family. This is only about 20 mins from us,I used to live there around 6 years ago.It's a very much a do it your self area. __________________ Member: Australian Tree Association Join the Australian Tree Association...Have your voice heard ! Arboriculture, A life long study for some, a passing phase for others © Jeffrey J Darby 2011

26th October 2008, 02:37 AM	#3
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: orlando,fl Posts: 4,977	Re: Sydney man died cutting tree Shame to hear about that,my prayers go to the family.=( __________________ Have your say join us today. old schooler

7th November 2008, 02:46 PM	#4
chadd Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: canada Posts: 93	Re: Sydney man died cutting tree thats a shame, but it goes to show the risks of our job and how most people think its easy.

9th November 2008, 04:15 PM	#5
OutofMytree Former Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Perth Posts: 307	Re: Sydney man died cutting tree Its this sort of news story that adds to my belief that we need regulation in our industry. I will gladly pay a licensing fee and sit any exam in order to have a "tree work" license just as plumbers and electricians must have. It won't stop all accidents like this but it will save a few. It should be illegal to do your own aerial tree work just as it is illegal to wire up your own house unless you are suitably qualified.

9th November 2008, 04:56 PM	#6
TreeDimensional Mature Tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 426	Re: Sydney man died cutting tree Sad to here of another home-owner being killed by a tree. As I understand it this guy was a DIYer. Depending on where you live in OZ, there are circumstances where trees may be protected. Is this a case of someone wanting a tree removed, and can't obtain permission to remove it, and any qualified arborist wouldn't remove it unless the paperwork was in place? OR was it some un-informed DIY, that said " I can save some money if I do it myself, how hard can it be"? In my part of the planet, there aren't any protected trees. Lord knows we need more trees to protect us from the wind. There is MORE work than ALL the good arborists can do, and there are people who DIY. There is the odd one that gets killed. You can only do so much to protect people from themselves. RIP

9th November 2008, 05:01 PM	#7
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: orlando,fl Posts: 4,977	Re: Sydney man died cutting tree It doesn't make it any easier that hardware stores sell chainsaw,rope and youtube has loads of treework videos,mostly bad but some good.I feel a smart ass comment coming on from a certain canadian. __________________ Have your say join us today. old schooler

9th November 2008, 05:49 PM	#8
TreeDimensional Mature Tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 426	Re: Sydney man died cutting tree Well newguy18, this is your lucky day, you ARE completely correct. The items you described ARE available just about anywhere. There are people out there who do tree work, for supplemental income that use the gear you mentioned. These part timers compete with operations that have all the equipment and toys. The thing that sets them apart is education and training. Don't get me wrong, there are some operations that HAVE all the goodies, and still do poor, dangerous work. Like the old saying goes, "its not what you have, its how you use it". In the last week, I have made an observation, it is nearly impossible to get quality training in N. America. Yes there is a reputable outfit in the US, and another smaller one in Canada, but travelling a good distance is a given when you live where I do. I feel, we, as arborists have to make it known that even a small tree can have life changing ramifications, if there isn't respect for space and gravity. I wish I knew how to keep homeowners from putting themselves at risk, but I don't. Where I live, if a homeowner damages their own property while removing a tree, they have NO insurance coverage. Not perfect, but a bit of a start. I had an exciting job offered to us on our anniversary. A multi-stemmed poplar wind-threw on a day-care centre. The policy was a commercial policy, and the crane guy we use was on site. However, as per the companies directive, they NEEDED a QUALIFIED ARBORIST to over-see the job. The manager of the day-care didn't even know what OR where she was going to find one of THOSE people. LOL, I managed to afford supper for my ground worker (wife), whoops, forgot, it took the ins. co 10 weeks to pay!

10th November 2008, 03:25 AM	#10
TreeDimensional Mature Tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 426	Re: Sydney man died cutting tree Hey slinger, I don't know about the paying for stupidity part. Someone is paying. I was talking to bigshea13 this summer, and I recommended a particular Co. I found out the tree companies in the NE United States are paying dearly for insurance, in a lot of cases, a lot of the better ins companies won't sell policies into that market. Sorry for the thread derail, it is still sad that a homeowner died cutting his own tree. Does anyone have any more info on the accident?

10th November 2008, 06:33 AM	#11
chadd Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: canada Posts: 93	Re: Sydney man died cutting tree as far as i know insurance companies in british columbia won't pay for your own mistake. they also will not pay if a dangerous/dead tree falls on your house because it is your own responsibility to take care of it before it becomes a problem. in completing my faller certification i asked the board why there was no programs for climbers. i was informed the it is in the works and expected to be mandatory in the next year or two. so thats a good hope to preventing something like this from happening.

21st July 2009, 06:16 PM	#12
The Tree Whisperer Former Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Northern Rivers NSW Posts: 39	Re: Sydney man died cutting tree Condolences to a family becuase he wanted to save a few bucks on hiring an appropriately trained professional, now it has cost a husband, father, son, uncle, potential grandfather, not to mention the loss of any income he may have earned over the rest of his working life for his family. WORTH IT!!!! no need to answer!! speaks for itself. REGULATE,REGULATE,REGULATE,LICENCE,LICENCE,LICENCE,REGULATE,REGULATE,REGULATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

21st July 2009, 10:53 PM	#13
letigre Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 158	Re: Sydney man died cutting tree +1. __________________ sticks before chicks

22nd July 2009, 12:01 AM	#14
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Re: Sydney man died cutting tree Attached Thumbnails __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

22nd July 2009, 12:31 AM	#15
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: orlando,fl Posts: 4,977	Re: Sydney man died cutting tree does a BSA license apply to arbs to Eric? __________________ Have your say join us today. old schooler

22nd July 2009, 12:39 AM	#16
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Re: Sydney man died cutting tree No it doesn't, however the concept is what I'm trying to reinforce. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

22nd July 2009, 07:06 AM	#17
Jeff Darby Moderator - Previously known as JayD Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: TreeWorld, Sydney Australia Posts: 2,031	Re: Sydney man died cutting tree It's like your number plate on your car, you are accountable, had to show qualifications, work referances,insurances and industry experience to get this license. In the ninetees when this type of license ( Gold License ) was first conceived it was blasted over the radios to only use gold card holders for your building work. At least Joe Blow knew this man/women had satisfied a governing body he or she was worthy of holding the gold card, and held insurance and was properly trained. It did wipe out a lot of shonky operators. __________________ Member: Australian Tree Association Join the Australian Tree Association...Have your voice heard ! Arboriculture, A life long study for some, a passing phase for others © Jeffrey J Darby 2011

22nd July 2009, 07:52 AM	#18
Victor Lindsay Mature tree Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Earth Posts: 421	Re: Sydney man died cutting tree I'm against the licensing issue. It would not have stop this tragic accident. But it would help our pricing.

22nd July 2009, 09:45 AM	#19
The Tree Whisperer Former Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Northern Rivers NSW Posts: 39	Re: Sydney man died cutting tree hey vl2007, Licencing can be an issue, the question here is not so much that it would have stopped this guy dying but perhaps Maybe if he even knew what an arborist was, and had an understanding of the dangers of the work that we do then he would have hired one and thought twice about doing the job. People I meet say "what do you do" oh "Oh I'm an Arborist", "A What!", "what does that mean" is usually the common answer. Log into You Tube and type in Backyard tree disasters and see how many vids come up about tree felling accidents. WHY does this happen so frequently? because the industry is so introverted And it seems that the arboricultural professional industry bodies do very little to promote the industry to the public. thats why it needs to be licenced and regulated. When the GOLD licence for builders came in it was The Master Builders Association that promoted it mainly

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