Andrew Pirie, 53, died on 25 June 2020 just outside Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, from injuries sustained during tree-felling work.
Following a fatal accident inquiry (FAI), Sheriff Andrew Miller said in his determination that a drop zone should have been clearly identified, physically marked, and properly supervised.
Sheriff Miller recommended that the Arboricultural Association increase industry awareness of its code of practice for tree work at height. He also urged the industry body to consider whether its Industry Code of Practice for Arboriculture: Tree Work at Height needed to be revised.
The sheriff said the absence of these measures, coupled with a lack of reliable communication between the climber and ground crew and safer methods used to control falling timber, contributed to Pirie’s death.
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He said limiting the size of the timber and using ropes or pulleys to lower the pieces could also have reduced the risk to workers on the ground.
Sheriff Miller extended the court’s condolences to Pirie’s family, who he said have suffered his loss in these most tragic and unfortunate circumstances.
A spokesperson for the AA said: “The Arboricultural Association is aware of the recommendations made by Sheriff Miller following the Inquiry into the tragic death of Mr Pirie.
“Our thoughts remain with Mr Pirie’s family, friends and colleagues.
“The Association will now consider the determination in detail and will provide a further statement about the ruling as soon as possible.
“The Arboricultural Association is undertaking an ongoing programme of review for its technical guidance, including the Industry Code of Practice (ICoP) and Technical Guides, as part of our commitment to maintaining high professional standards and continuous improvement.
“This programme has been open and in place for some time and is not a response to the recommendations.”
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