A man has fallen 4m, puncturing a lung, smashing his rib cage and suffering serious internal bleeding while attempting to clear fallen tree debris in Southland.
The injuries were sustained while cleaning-up wind damaged trees after massive storm winds hit the region in late October.
The incident was detailed by WorkSafe as it cautioned against taking on unqualified chainsaw clean-up work on the severe weather damage.
The WorkSafe update also cited a case of a worker who had a chainsaw smash a bone in his foot and cut 90% of the way through a tendon.
These cases were among clean-up attempts addressing what Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson described as "trees down absolutely everywhere" in Clutha and Southland.
Agriculture was New Zealand's deadliest industry in 2024, with 14 workers killed.
A Tasman man was killed by a falling tree in June, while clearing vegetation resulting from floods.
WorkSafe inspector Emma Boyd said: "We're seeing dangerous cutting techniques, bars stuck in wood, and trees that have split. Even experienced farmers are being caught out because this clean-up isn't a straightforward job".
Logging professionals are urging property owners to avoid doing the job alone and wait for help amid an influx of callouts. (Source: 1News)
"Storm-damaged trees are loaded with hidden forces that can kill or maim in seconds. These aren't the usual jobs farmers are used to. We know fallen trees are a disruption, but getting injured in the clean-up is far more of a disruption."
Her advice? "Calling in a professional is smart farming, not a sign of weakness".
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