Devon tree surgeon killed by falling tree / Severed hinge

[briscoe]

Devon tree surgeon killed by falling tree just weeks after becoming a dad again - Devon Live

WWW.DEVONLIVE.COM

---

Thomas McConnell had welcomed the arrival of his second child Rowan just seven weeks before his death

 

[Stubby]

3 minutes ago, briscoe said:

 

Devon tree surgeon killed by falling tree just weeks after becoming a dad again - Devon Live

WWW.DEVONLIVE.COM

---

Thomas McConnell had welcomed the arrival of his second child Rowan just seven weeks before his death

 

Very sad .

[briscoe]

Quote from Devon Live:

 

An independent investigation on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive was carried out by Simon Cox, an arboricultural consultant. He told the jury how he had examined the stump of the first tree that had been felled which was an example of a 'good practice' of felling.

The jury were told that in tree felling, a hinge allows the direction and rate of fall to be controlled. However, when carrying the felling cut (back cut) in the second tree Mr McConnell had 'severed' the hinge meaning it had been cut through most of its length causing the tree to fall in a different direction.

Mr Cox said: "The directional felling cuts were not competently applied which resulted in an adequate hinge."

He added: " In making the felling cut, for whatever reason, he continued to cut where he severed the hinge."

A possible reason given for the error was that Mr McConnell could have been 'compromised' by the working space and escape routes around the tree - a steep slope and protruding stumps from previously felled trees - which would have been a 'hindrance'.

The report concluded the correct methodology, planning and execution had been carried out within industry standards with the exception of the final cut by Mr McConnell which caused the tree to fall in an unintended direction.

 

 

Edited September 16, 2022 by briscoe

[Sviatoslav Tulin]

RIP man, bad things happen. 

[Mark Bolam]

To good men sometimes.

 

RIP Tom.

[Mesterh]

RIP

 

Sad news indeed, my condolences to his family.

 

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Just seen this one.

 

RIP man.