Coroner's Finding: Fletcher, Braidon Lewis
Deceased
Braidon Lewis Fletcher
Demographics
21y, male
Date of death
2017-01-14
Finding date
2018-07-26
Cause of death
blunt trauma to the head
AI-generated summary
Braidon Lewis Fletcher, 21, died from blunt head trauma when struck by a tree during an attempted tree-felling operation. The group lacked formal chainsaw training, safety equipment (wedges, axe, helmet), and proper tree-felling techniques. When the chainsaw became jammed, they attempted to free it by using a vehicle recovery strap to pull down the tree—a decision that would never be made by experienced operators. Fletcher remained in the danger zone and was struck. This death was entirely preventable through: mandatory formal chainsaw training before use, proper equipment availability, appropriate personal protective equipment, correct tree-felling technique following Australian Standards, and adequate risk assessment and site preparation.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Error types
Contributing factors
- lack of formal chainsaw training
- lack of formal tree-felling training
- absence of safety equipment (wedges, axe)
- no personal protective equipment including helmet
- poor tree-felling technique
- chainsaw became jammed due to incorrect cutting technique
- use of recovery strap to pull tree down instead of freeing jammed saw properly
- deceased remained in danger zone during tree felling
- windy conditions at the site
- failure to follow Australian Standard 2727 and Forest Safety Code
Coroner's recommendations
- All chainsaw operators must undertake approved chainsaw training prior to purchasing or using a chainsaw
- All persons selling chainsaws must be accredited chainsaw operators
- All chainsaw operators must undergo regular practical reassessment
- All landowners be required to ensure that people permitted to use chainsaws on their land be appropriately qualified
- No person under the age of 16 years be permitted to own or use a chainsaw in any circumstances
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