The objective of this project was to determine if it is possible to use light-weight remotely operated jacks to hand fall dangerous trees, and therefore reduce the risk of injury to hand fallers. The researchers set out to determine the jacking force required to fall dangerous trees, given the amount and location of the holding wood

The researchers conducted a preliminary analysis of whether light-weight remotely operated jacks can be used to fall dangerous trees, in order to reduce the risk of injury to hand fallers. Using a mathematical model, the researcher assessed whether the holding wood (the wood left in place after initial cuts are made at the base of the tree) would be strong enough to keep the tree stationary while setting the jack, but also be weak enough to enable a lightweight jack to fall the tree while operated from a safe distance

Results showed that remote jacks can be used to fall dangerous trees, but further work is needed to determine how best to make sure the tree remains stationary while setting the jack

In partnership with the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia