Prevent risks with chainsaws and clearing saws

Forestry is an industry with major risks in the work environment, especially for those who work manually with a chainsaw or clearing saw. As an employer, you should prioritise work environment management so that you reduce the risk of accidents.

Assess the risks of using a chainsaw or clearing saw and try to prevent the risks. Even if you are self-employed without employees, you are responsible for the working environment in your forestry operation.

Suggestions for good procedures and measures to reduce the risk of injuries and accidents:

Prevent risks with chainsaws and clearing saws

  • All employees who work with a chainsaw or clearing saw need to have the right knowledge, both practical and theoretical, to work safely. Therefore, all employees must have documented theoretical and practical knowledge.

    With good procedures, you as an employer can ensure that your employees' knowledge is sufficient and up-to-date.

    What must the employees know?

    Employees need good knowledge of the different work steps involved in tree felling, so that they can assess which technique is appropriate in each situation.

    Examples of what should be included in the training:

    • maintenance and inspection of saws
    • properties, personal protective equipment, use
    • different types of tools for felling trees and bringing down stuck trees
    • steps involved in felling and processing trees
    • techniques and methods for felling hard-to-fell trees
    • methods for removing hanging and stuck trees
    • work in storm-felled forest
    • risk assessments in different work situations.

  • As an employer, you must ensure that chainsaws and clearing saws are checked regularly and, when necessary, in a room that is adapted for the checks. Refer to the manufacturer's instruction manual for each chainsaw. There is information on how you should carry out checks and maintenance.

    Employees must also check saw chains, blades and accessories continuously during work.

    Always discard

    • worn or damaged saw chains
    • blades with visible cracks or other damage
    • blade guards that are damaged so that they do not fulfil their function.

    If anyone discovers any damage or defect that could endanger safety, no one may use the chainsaw or clearing saw until the damage has been repaired or the defect has been corrected.

    Chainsaw maintenance and inspection should be part of the chainsaw training your employees receive.

  • Always wear protective equipment such as safety boots or protective footwear.

  • The information from the manufacturer may contain instructions on, among other things, inspection and maintenance, what should be inspected and maintained and the appropriate intervals for it. You also need to take into account other relevant regulations and standards.

    In the instruction manual you can also see what properties the cutting tools of the saw should have.

  • Examples of particularly hazardous work include when an employee

    • works on a platform, or at a level higher than ground level
    • climbs
    • works in fire-damaged or storm-felled forest
    • takes down trees that are stuck
    • works near power cables
    • works near buildings or in difficult conditions, for example in steep terrain.

  • If someone must work alone, plan well and take all risks into account. Anyone working alone should be able to communicate with a colleague at all times during work.

  • Plan the work so that it can be done safely. Everyone working at the workplace must receive instructions on how to perform the work before they start work.

  • Keep this in mind when preparing instructions:

    • All employees must be able to understand the instructions, even those whose first language is not Swedish.
    • Adapt the instructions for tree felling to the type of forest and the harvesting systems that are in place.
    • Keep the instructions close to the workplace in accordance with local safety regulations.

  • It is important that you set up work platforms in a stable manner and follow both the manufacturer's and your local work instructions.

    If employees are going to work with a chainsaw from a work platform, you need safety rules that take into account how many people will be working from the platform.

  • Climbing and working with a chainsaw at the same time is physically demanding and risky. Employees must have received training in climbing techniques, in addition to their training in using a chainsaw.

    Among employees who climb, there should be people with special skills to care for injured people, for example someone who has become immobile hanging from a rope, a harness or in the fall protection equipment.

The employer is responsible for risks with chainsaws and clearing saws.

As an employer, you are responsible for reducing risk with chainsaws and clearing saws, just as you are responsible for all aspects of the work environment. You must be familiar with the Work Environment Act and other work environment regulations.

Employees and safety representatives are important for a good work environment

Employees and safety representatives have an important role in work environment management. As an employer, you must give all employees the opportunity to participate in work environment management. For example, you can let employees suggest measures or provide feedback on measures you have implemented.

Employees' participation in work environment management

As an employee, you must participate in work environment management and participate in implementing the measures needed to achieve a good work environment. You must follow the employer's instructions. You must also report to your employer or your safety representative if the work involves immediate and serious danger to life or health.

Last updated 2025-12-12