Product Overview

Summary: This Managing Fallen Trees Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step process for safely assessing, controlling and removing fallen trees on or near workplaces. It helps Australian businesses manage storm damage, roadside hazards and site obstructions while protecting workers, the public and critical infrastructure in line with WHS obligations.

Fallen trees present a complex mix of safety, operational and reputational risks for Australian workplaces. Whether caused by storms, vehicle impact, soil instability or decay, they can block access, damage services, bring down powerlines and create serious hazards for workers and the public. This Managing Fallen Trees SOP sets out a structured, defensible approach to assessing tree stability, controlling the area, coordinating with utilities and traffic management, and carrying out safe cutting and removal activities using appropriate equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Developed for Australian conditions, this procedure supports businesses to meet their WHS duties by embedding risk assessment, hierarchy of control and clear communication into every response. It addresses common high-risk scenarios such as trees under tension, hung-up limbs, unstable root plates and interaction with overhead or underground services. By standardising how your organisation responds to fallen trees across worksites, roads, parks, farms and utility corridors, the SOP reduces guesswork, improves response times, and demonstrates due diligence in the event of an incident or regulator enquiry.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of serious injury or fatality from unstable trees, tensioned branches and chainsaw operations.
• Ensure a consistent, WHS-compliant approach to managing fallen trees across all sites and teams.
• Minimise disruption to roads, facilities and services by streamlining assessment, isolation and removal activities.
• Strengthen coordination with emergency services, utilities providers and traffic management contractors.
• Provide clear guidance for worker training, competency and documentation to support regulatory compliance and incident defensibility.

Who is this for?

• Arborists
• Grounds Maintenance Teams
• Civil Construction Supervisors
• Local Government Parks and Roads Managers
• Utilities Field Supervisors (Power, Water, Telecommunications)
• Emergency Response Coordinators
• WHS Managers and Safety Advisors
• Farm and Station Managers
• Facilities and Property Managers
• Traffic Management Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Crush injuries from rolling, shifting or collapsing tree trunks and root balls
• Struck-by injuries from falling or tensioned branches and hung-up limbs
• Chainsaw and cutting tool injuries, including kickback and lacerations
• Contact with live electrical conductors from trees entangled in powerlines
• Slips, trips and falls on uneven, debris-covered or wet terrain
• Musculoskeletal injuries from manual handling of logs, branches and equipment
• Noise and vibration exposure from chainsaws, chippers and plant
• Exposure to biting and stinging insects, snakes and other wildlife disturbed by tree movement
• Vehicle and plant interaction risks during roadside or corridor operations
• Poor visibility and environmental hazards during night work or severe weather conditions

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Fallen, Hung-Up, Under Tension, Root Plate, Exclusion Zone)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Pre-Response Planning and Communication Protocols
• 5.0 Initial Site Assessment and Risk Evaluation
• 6.0 Establishing Exclusion Zones and Traffic Management
• 7.0 Coordination with Utilities, Emergency Services and Asset Owners
• 8.0 Required PPE, Tools and Equipment (Including Chainsaws and Plant)
• 9.0 Safe Work Method for Managing Trees Near Powerlines and Services
• 10.0 Step-by-Step Procedure for Stabilising, Cutting and Removing Fallen Trees
• 11.0 Hazard Identification and Control Measures (Tension, Compression, Root Plate Instability)
• 12.0 Environmental and Heritage Considerations (Erosion, Habitat, Protected Trees)
• 13.0 Manual Handling, Mechanical Aids and Use of Mobile Plant
• 14.0 Adverse Weather, Night Work and Remote/Isolated Work Controls
• 15.0 Emergency Response, Rescue and Incident Reporting
• 16.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 17.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Pre-Use Checks of Equipment
• 18.0 Records, Documentation and Review of the Procedure

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and aligned state and territory WHS legislation
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• AS/NZS 2727: Chainsaws – Guide to safe working practices
• AS/NZS 2210.1: Occupational protective footwear
• AS/NZS 1801: Occupational protective helmets
• AS/NZS 1337.1: Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 1269: Occupational noise management
• AS 1742: Manual of uniform traffic control devices (for roadside/tree over road scenarios)
• State and territory electrical safety regulations and network operator requirements for vegetation near powerlines