Storm-damaged Trees? Don't Risk It

WorkSafe New Zealand is urging farmers around the country to take extra care when clearing storm-damaged trees, after receiving more reports of unsafe chainsaw and machinery use.

Recent storms have brought down shelterbelts and left many farmers facing difficult clean-up jobs. With experienced contractors in short supply, some people are tackling dangerous tree work themselves, often while tired and under pressure to get farms running normally again.

The risks are serious. One person fell four metres while using a chainsaw on a partly fallen tree and needed major surgery. Another suffered a deep chainsaw injury to their foot. WorkSafe has also heard of tractors being used to pull out damaged trees and unsafe attempts to free stuck chainsaw bars.

WorkSafe says storm-damaged trees can be unpredictable, with hidden pressure that can release suddenly. Even experienced farmers can be caught out because this is not the same as cutting firewood or dealing with ordinary fallen branches.

[image] Storm-damaged trees - media release - December 2025 — Storm-damaged trees in Southland, as seen by WorkSafe inspectors out on the road.

Farmers should fence off dangerous areas, keep people away, and wait for someone with the right skills and gear. If you are hiring help, check they have proper chainsaw safety training and experience working with trees under tension. WorkSafe says calling in a professional is the safer, smarter option.

Find more information about safe tree-felling practices

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.

You might also like