Scottish Woodlands and RTS Attends Chainsaw Supervisor Training
Members of Scottish Woodlands forestry teams, together with colleagues from RTS, attended a Chainsaw Operations for Supervisors and Managers Training Course, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to safe working practices and high industry standards.
The course ran over two days with a morning focussed on the theoretical aspects supported by one and a half days of on-site, practical elements.
The course was specifically designed to support our Forestry Works Managers who are responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising chainsaw operations. Providing them with the knowledge and skills required to effectively oversee chainsaw operations in a range of forestry environments, ensuring safety, compliance with regulations and high operational and environmental standards.
The training focused on the application of statutory requirements and the implementation of effective control measures in high-risk environments.
Core technical elements included:
- Interpretation and application of relevant legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA), Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
- Development and implementation of site-specific risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
- Hazard identification relating to chainsaw use, including falling objects, kickback, felling operations, and environmental factors
- Establishment and monitoring of exclusion zones and safe working distances
- Inspection of equipment and verification of operator competence and certification
- Incident reporting procedures and near-miss analysis
The training emphasised the supervisor’s role in ensuring that all operations are planned and conducted within a clearly defined and controlled framework.
The knowledge gained from the course directly supports the safe planning and execution of forestry activities, including felling, processing, and site clearance.
Forestry Works Managers are now better equipped to:
- Evaluate dynamic site conditions such as terrain, weather, and tree characteristics
- Implement control measures to mitigate identified risks
- Monitor compliance with safe working procedures in real time
- Coordinate teams to ensure clear communication and task allocation
- Intervene effectively where unsafe practices are observed
This level of oversight is critical in reducing the likelihood of incidents and maintaining operational efficiency.
Andrew Tuft, Harvesting & Marketing Director for Scottish Woodlands said, “Using a chainsaw remains a high-risk activity within the forestry sector, requiring highly skilled and competent operators to undertake often challenging and complex tasks. It is therefore important that our staff understand their responsibilities when managing chainsaw activities, ensuring that operations are effectively planned, risk is minimised and operational standards are monitored correctly. As Forestry Works Managers and Supervisors managing forest operations, our staff value and respect the technical expertise of chainsaw operators, and this training recognises that respect. It enables our staff to work closer and more effectively with contractors and chainsaw operators, openly discussing tasks and site-specific risks, agreeing effective controls, and monitoring work practices throughout the process.”
The course has been developed by Focus on Forestry First with the scope approved by the FISA FWM Working Group and forms part of both the FISA and Scottish Woodlands Forestry Works Managers Competency Framework and CPD.
Feedback from the event has been very positive with the attendees appreciating the knowledge and expertise that the training team had. The ability to see first-hand the different types of felling cuts and discuss what situations these might be appropriate, giving everyone a broader insight into the associated techniques.
Morven Wilson, Senior Compliance Manager for Scottish Woodlands said, “We had two fantastic days and would like to say a huge thank you to Focus on Forestry First and especially Iwan Lloyd-Williams and Gethin Hughes for providing knowledgeable and experienced training to our staff.”
Additional courses are being arranged to ensure all staff who have responsibilities for managing chainsaw operations receive this training.