A Tasmanian coroner has made a string of recommendations in the wake of six chainsaw-related deaths in the state.

Brian Dransfield, Lawrence Alan Howard, Tobias Joseph Hyland, Kenneth Hudson Mitchell, Kenneth David Spanney and Dylan Broderick Ernest Young all died while using a chainsaw between 2013 and 2016.

National Coronial Information Service data shows around 100 deaths occurred between 2000 and 2016 as a result of chainsaw use and tree felling.

“Death as a result of the use of chainsaws and tree felling is prevalent in Australia and disproportionately so in Tasmania,” Coroner Simon Cooper stated in recent findings.

“Tasmania's population is just 2.15 per cent of the national population. It is also very apparent that deaths arising out of chainsaw use in general and tree felling in particular account for a considerable percentage of accidental deaths occurring in rural areas of Tasmania.”

Coroner Cooper found some common factors in the deaths of each of the six men, including:

  • Lack of formal training;
  • The absence of any proper personal protective equipment (PPE); and
  • Poor tree felling techniques and dangerous chainsaw-use practices.

He made the following recommendations:

  • Chainsaw operators undertake approved chainsaw training prior to purchasing or using a chainsaw.
  • Persons selling chainsaws must be accredited chainsaw operators.
  • Chainsaw operators must undergo regular practical reassessment.
  • Landowners be required to ensure that people permitted to use chainsaws on their land are appropriately qualified.
  • No person under the age of 16 years be permitted to own or use a chainsaw in any circumstances.