Sad record this year

Never before have more people died in forestry accidents

This year, 38 people have already died during forestry work in Austria.(Bild: Rotes Kreuz Mariazell/Werner F. Symbolbild)

The number of fatal forestry accidents in Austria has once again reached an all-time high. The Austrian Road Safety Board (KFV) announced on Wednesday that 38 people lost their lives in forestry work before the end of the year.

The number could rise by the end of the year. In comparison, 36 people died in the entire previous year.

Many victims over 60 years old
The age of the victims affected ranged between 18 and 82 years. However, the high proportion of over 60-year-olds is striking. Although older people have a lot of experience in forestry work, they often underestimate the physical strain. Another source of danger is the fact that workers are often alone in the forest. In the event of an emergency, there are therefore delays in first aid measures.

The number of fatal forestry accidents has risen almost every year recently. In 2019, there were around 27 victims. There are particularly many incidents in Styria and Lower Austria, where there are large areas of forest and steep terrain. These conditions significantly increase the risk during forestry work.

KFV calls for better information from private individuals
"Fatal accidents typically occur in situations where trees unexpectedly topple or become wedged during felling or clearing work," said Johanna Trauner-Karner from the KFV.

"Forestry workers, but also private individuals in particular, need to be better informed about the risks and care should be taken to wear suitable protective equipment."

Johanna Trauner-Karner, Leiterin des Fachbereichs Sport- und Freizeitsicherheit im KFV

However, according to Trauner-Karner, working with heavy machinery can also become a deadly trap, for example if a tractor tips over in rough terrain.