Deceased
Kenneth David Spanney
Demographics
79y, male
Date of death
2014-12-07
Finding date
2017-08-11
Cause of death
Multiple traumatic injuries sustained while felling a tree with a chainsaw; specifically, crushing injuries from a log that rolled over his lower body
AI-generated summary
Kenneth David Spanney, a 79-year-old retired man, died from multiple traumatic injuries sustained while tree felling with a chainsaw. He was struck and crushed by a large log that rolled free from wedges while he was cutting it. Critical factors contributing to his death included unsafe chainsaw handling techniques—specifically, standing on the downhill side of the log where a rolling log could strike him. Despite 35 years of chainsaw experience, he had received no formal training in safe tree felling or chainsaw operation. The coroner found the death entirely preventable had proper precautions, correct tree felling techniques, and appropriate personal protective equipment been used. This case highlighted systemic issues with non-regulated recreational chainsaw use in Tasmania, where deaths from chainsaw and tree felling incidents are disproportionately high compared to national rates.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
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This page reproduces or summarises information from publicly available findings published by Australian coroners' courts. Coronial is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any coronial court or government body.
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