Warning of danger for fallen trees in preparation for Storm Lorenzo

In preparation for Storm Lorenzo, on Thursday Evening, workers have been asked to pay particular attention to the possibilities of falling trees. With winds expected of up to 120 kph in the forecast for Ireland, on the 3 October, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is warning that dangers can linger long after the passing of the storm, in the event of this weather, along with the chainsaws. There is an orange weather warning in place for:

• Galway;
• Mayo;
• Clare;
• Kerry;
• Limerick. 

Many workers will be facing dangerous new hazards, in areas such as construction, storm repair, farming and transportation. Sadly, during Storm Ophelia, while cutting and clearing windblown trees, there was still the loss of two lives.

Mark Cullen, the HSA Assistant Chief Executive, has said, "Many owners of chainsaws only use them occasionally and may lack the training, experience and knowledge required for certain tasks. As most trees are still in full leaf, there is a high risk that there will be a significant number of fallen trees and branches as a result of the high winds. Windblown trees are particularly dangerous and unpredictable and should only be dealt with by competent and experienced chainsaw operator," whilst urging workers to take extra caution, an to leave the use of chainsaws to the experts. 

They have released the following guidance for three various sectors, Working at Height, Trees and Agriculture.

Trees

The most common cause of fatalities in clearing fallen trees and branches using chainsaws arises from the high risk of being struck by falling trees or branches during clean-up operations. Therefore, the following rules shall apply in relation to trees:

• only those with appropriate training in the use of chainsaws should be the ones operating chainsaws;
• never work on your own;
• ensure that bystanders are at a safe distance from the cutting activities;
• wear suitable head and faceguard protection;
• wear a high visibility jacket and protective clothing;
• do not walk, or work under unstable windblown trees;
• tell somebody your estimated time fo return.

The HSA has advised anyone who encounters fallen trees not to try to clear or fell them. They should instead contact their local authority, who have trained expert crews with specialist equipment in order to deal with it. 

Working at Height

Any of the work at height, such as repair of overhead lines, or the roofs of farm buildings, should also be undertaken with extreme caution in mind. Repair on the roofs should only be done after the storm has passed, and a risk assessment has taken place. All of the work at height should be properly planned and organised, the correct equipment should also be used, with the help of only competent workers. 

Agriculture

Work activity in this sector will be severely stunted by the storm, and so the farmers should look to take lots of preparations for making their personal safety of paramount importance. Also, it is important to always have a fully charged mobile phone, and a torch - pathways to machinery and sheds should be cleared to reduce the risk of slips and falls. 

Are you wondering why we're discussing matters in the Republic of Ireland? Watch this space...