Timber Faller Fatalities Rose in Washington State
Three workplace deaths in 2025 have prompted a new hazard alert regarding tree-felling safety requirements.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Allergies
The Washington State Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation program issued a hazard alert following the deaths of three timber fallers in 2025. These incidents ended a four-year period in which no such worker fatalities were recorded in the state.
Why it matters
The alert highlights recurring safety failures, such as inadequate worker spacing and improper tree-cutting procedures, that resulted in preventable fatalities. These tragedies underscore the necessity for employers to strictly enforce established accident-prevention programs.
The WA FACE program documented 3 timber faller deaths in 2025, marking the first fatalities after a four-year streak of zero deaths between 2021 and 2024. This preliminary assessment identifies consistent risks linked to trees left standing with incomplete cuts.
The players
WA FACE program
The Washington State Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation program conducts surveillance of workplace deaths to improve occupational safety standards.
The details
Safety violations involved workers operating too close to each other and failing to account for standing hazards like snags and partially cut trees. Current state mandates require a minimum separation of two tree lengths between workers and prohibit cutting undercuts when others are in the potential fall zone. Workers are also directed to maintain clear 45-degree angle retreat paths to escape falling trees safely.
Timeline
2021-2024: A four-year period passed with no recorded timber faller deaths.
2025: Three timber fallers died in the state of Washington.
September 28, 2026: The WA FACE program issued the official hazard alert.
Health Landscape
This sudden rise in fatalities marks a departure from the stable safety environment seen during the 2021-2024 period of zero recorded timber faller deaths. The current trend highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining strict adherence to established forestry safety protocols.
Workers in the timber industry should verify that their employer has a current, written accident-prevention program in place before starting any site work. It is essential to confirm that all coworkers maintain the mandated two-tree-length distance and clear escape routes at all times.
The takeaway
Workplace fatalities in timber harvesting are preventable when safety distances and cutting procedures are rigorously followed. Workers should prioritize discussing site-specific hazard assessments with their supervisors to ensure all safety regulations are met before beginning operations.
Further reading
For more on managing workplace safety and environmental risks, visit the Allergies section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Occupational Health & Safety.
