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Forestry worker seriously injured in Villach – accident with chainsaw!
Forestry workers are injured while working in Villach. Cause of accident: Slipping on snow-covered ground. First aid provided.
Forestry worker seriously injured in Villach – accident with chainsaw!
On November 19, 2025, a serious accident occurred in the Villach district when a 23-year-old forestry worker was injured while felling wood. The incident occurred at 7:40 a.m. in a forest at around 1,600 meters above sea level, where two brothers, 23 and 20 years old, were self-employed forestry workers from the Feldkirchen district. While working, the older brother slipped on the snow-covered ground and fell on a running chainsaw that was lying on a tree trunk. The 23-year-old sustained injuries to his forearm, the severity of which initially remained undetermined. However, he was wearing protective clothing, which may have prevented something worse from happening.
Immediately after the accident, his 20-year-old brother provided first aid and called the emergency services. The injured man was transported to the valley where he received initial care from the Red Cross. Ultimately, they were transported to the LKH Villach with the RK1 rescue helicopter.
Dangers when working in forestry
The cause of the accident highlights the dangers associated with forestry work. In Germany, over 4,000 reportable accidents during forest work were registered in 2022, with most incidents taking place during felling work and wood processing. Although the number of accidents has fallen slightly, the risk associated with working in the forest remains high. The main dangers include unsafe tree positions, working with a chainsaw and slippery and uneven terrain.
To minimize the risk of accidents, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial. These include, among other things, cut protection trousers with high cut resistance, tested helmets with hearing protection and visor and work shoes with steel toes. Regular inspection and maintenance of this equipment is essential to ensure workplace safety.
Preventive measures and safety technology
Before starting forestry work, a comprehensive risk analysis should be carried out. This includes assessing whether the terrain is steep or slippery and whether there are obstacles such as rocks or tree roots. Furthermore, machines and devices must be maintained regularly to ensure their performance and safety. A structured workflow that includes safety precautions such as keeping a safe distance between workers and properly marking trees can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
The responsibility for complying with safety regulations and conducting training lies with employers. Legal requirements, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the DGUV rules, regulate the obligation to ensure safety and health at work in forestry.
The tragic circumstances of the brothers' accident show once again how important it is to take safety precautions seriously and take preventative measures when working in forestry. Only through careful planning and compliance with safety standards can the danger for everyone involved be reduced.