Event to cut forestry accidents

A health awareness day is being held in Northumberland to tackle the high rate of fatalities in the forestry industry.

It will be hosted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) at Kielder Forest on Thursday.

Rates of fatal and major injuries in the industry are 60 times higher than the national average, said the HSE.

The event will look at some of the most frequent causes of accidents, and common-sense solutions which could prevent them.

The most common kinds of accidents include chainsaw injuries, being hit by a moving or falling object, incorrect handling, slipping, tripping or falling

Dr Jason Liggins, Inspector from HSE's Agriculture and Forestry Policy Group, said: "Behind every one of these statistics is a human life that has been ruined or a family that has lost a loved one.

"Although the risks in forestry cannot be eliminated, they can be managed through taking common sense measures."