A Review of Forensic Investigation of Fatal Forestry Operations-Related Deaths

Despite advances in mechanization, ergonomic design, and safety regulation, forest operations continue to involve a complex synergy of mechanical, organizational, environmental, and operator risk factors. This review describes the 5 main categories of forestry accidents, such as chainsaw kickback, misdirected tree-fall, environmental, vehicles and machinery accidents, and operator falls from height, and highlights the main diagnostic evaluations that need to be performed in order to confirm a correct reconstruction of forestry fatalities. Forensic investigations into deaths due to forestry accidents should involve scene analysis, mechanical inspection, environmental observation, and medicolegal examination. Future research should improve investigations and prevention of forestry accidents by integrating probabilistic reasoning, digital telemetry, and working systems monitoring to address emerging risks associated with mechanization, automation, and human-machine interaction in modern forestry.