Back and neck spine protector recommendations

[TreeNuts]

Heard some disturbing stories of accidents recently that occurred during simple chainsaw fells within woodlands, so am definitely gonna splash out on a decent back and neck spine protector that can be worn beneath my forestry jacket, just in case a widow maker doesn't finish me off and leaves me in a wheelchair. Morbid I know, but I'm all for safety or death, just not the in-between.

 

Can anyone recommend a good quality spine protector that serves the lower back all the way to the top of the neck? The only ones I can find are sold through mountain bike outlets, but I was hoping there was one designed for beneath-tree work.

[Warren Stirling]

I completely understand your thinking but I'm not sure there would be anything strong enough that wouldnt seriously impair your movement to make a difference to a falling tree's weight.

[TreeNuts]

I completely understand your thinking but I'm not sure there would be anything strong enough that wouldnt seriously impair your movement to make a difference to a falling tree's weight.

 

It's limbs I'm concerned with, not entire trees. A friend is permenantly out of action (spleen, kidney, broken back, but not paralysed) becasue of a large limb. That's what I wish to protect as best I can against. Trees I can avoid

[Warren Stirling]

I know horse riders can use pretty robust back protectors, worth a try.

[Pedroski]

Dainese back protectors are good for motorcycling etc. Don't see how you could use a decent neck brace, though, without seriously restricting your ability to properly look up and down and around....

[son of a birch]

I understand your safety concerns but I don't think you would be able to find anything that was worth wearing without sacrificing mobility. I think it would be more beneficial to pay closer attention to the tree being felled and its associated risks/ control measures, rather than wrap yourself up in armour. Hangers or "widow makers" should be identified from the ground.

[TreeNuts]

I understand your safety concerns but I don't think you would be able to find anything that was worth wearing without sacrificing mobility. I think it would be more beneficial to pay closer attention to the tree being felled and its associated risks/ control measures, rather than wrap yourself up in armour. Hangers or "widow makers" should be identified from the ground.

 

Exactly my thoughts before hearing a few horror stories, one of which involved a tree surgery veteran that suffered a single lapse of concentration and didn't notice a loose limb before conducting a simple backcut.

 

Knowing what I'm like, I will eventually make a mistake later in the day, despite how safely I approach the start of the day. With that in mind, I'd rather the discomfort of a spine protector. Looking for something with a little bit of flexibility, rather than overly ridged.

[son of a birch]

I see where you're coming from but it would take quite a lot to protect yourself from a large branch falling from height. Plus the percieved extra protection may give you a sense of "invincibility" which could make you more likely to have an accident.

[TRADITIONAL LOGGERS]

Sounds interesting but then as an issue HSE should have mentioned needed? A stem from high in the crown has more force than falling from a horse/motorbike and riders still have permanent damage/deaths with protection.

 

Take time when felling to be 100% safe as rushing is the main cause of accidents.

[VEG]

If you are unsure dont make the cut !