On April 10, 2017 at approximately 1:42 p.m., Grey County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of male injured as a result of a tree felling mishap that occurred on Grey Rd. 4 in the Municipality of Grey Highlands. The lone male had been cutting trees with a chainsaw on his rural property when the incident occurred.
The 76-year old victim suffered serious injuries. He was taken to a local hospital and was later transported, via ambulance, to a Toronto hospital where he is in critical condition.
Grey County OPP remind homeowners that tree care and removal work is hazardous and may be dangerous. Successfully felling a tree requires knowledge of tree physics, dangerous tools and cutting techniques. Homeowners who attempt their own tree trimming or removal may be injured by falling limbs, malfunctioning equipment, or the tree itself.
Tips:
- Do not trim trees in dangerous weather conditions.
- Assess the area for hazards before starting the work.
- Operators of chain saws and other equipment should be trained and the equipment properly maintained.
- Use personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, hearing protection.
- Determine the tree's felling direction. Address forward lean, back lean, and/or side lean issues.
- Determine the proper amount of hinge wood to safely guide the tree's fall. Provide a retreat path to a safe location.
- Do not climb with tools in your hands.
- If broken trees are under pressure, determine the direction of the pressure and make small cuts to release it.
- Use extreme care when felling a tree that has not fallen completely to the ground and is lodged against another tree.
- Inspect tree limbs for strength and stability before climbing.
- Never turn your back on a falling tree.
- Avoid objects thrown back by a tree as it falls.
- Assume that all power lines are energized. Use extreme caution when moving ladders and equipment around downed trees and power lines.
- Be alert at all times.
- Do not work alone.
source: media release, Grey County OPP