43 fatal accidents

2024 was a dramatic year for forestry accidents

With 43 fatal forestry accidents, 2024 breaks all records. (symbolic image)

(Bild: LM d.V. Hannes Mörth)

At least 43 people lost their lives in forest accidents in Austria's forests - that is the shocking result for 2024 and a new record. This corresponds to an increase of 19 percent compared to the 36 accidents in the previous year. 

Fatal forestry accidents have risen continuously in recent years, according to media observations by the KFV. However, there are regional differences within Austria:

Bundesländer

Tödliche Forstunfälle

• Steiermark: 14 Fälle
• Niederösterreich: 10 Fälle
• Tirol: 5 Fälle
• Oberösterreich: 5 Fälle
• Kärnten: 4 Fälle
• Salzburg: 2 Fälle
• Vorarlberg: 2 Fälle
• Wien: 1 Fall

Age structure: high risk for older people
A significant proportion of victims - around 45 percent - were over 60 years old. This age group often works alone in the forest, which significantly increases the risk of accidents. Many of the people involved in accidents underestimate the physical demands and the dangers posed by heavy equipment or unexpectedly falling trees.

The ever-increasing numbers, particularly in the area of private forestry work, make it clear that more protective and safety measures need to be taken here.

Johanna Trauner-Karner, Leiterin des Forschungsbereiches Sport- und Freizeitsicherheit in der Präventionsinstitution KFV

In addition, working alone in remote areas often makes it difficult to rescue people quickly in an emergency. The accident reports show that the majority of these cases could have been avoided if preventative measures such as partner work and safety checks had been carried out before work began.

Saisonale Risiken

Hauptgefahren

• Baumfällarbeiten: 24 Fälle, oft durch unkontrolliert umstürzende oder verkeilte Bäume.
• Einsatz von Traktoren: 7 Fälle, meist durch Kippen in steilem Gelände.
• Stürze in unwegsamen oder vereistem Gelände: 2 Fälle.

The Sports and Leisure Safety Research Unit at the KFV prevention institution therefore recommends seasonal training and coordinated work as well as the increased use of safety equipment.