Indicator forest and wood

In 2023, there were 290 accidents for every 1,000 full-time forestry workers. Of these, around 45% were unable to work for more than three working days, and three people died. Compared with the average number of people insured by Suva, the frequency of accidents in the forestry sector is high because of the dangerous nature of the work involved.

However, the industry is conscientious in its efforts to maintain safety in the workplace. The Suva raises awareness among the affected actors through its “Sicherheit im Forst: Unfälle vermeiden bei Waldarbeiten” (“Safety in forestry activities: avoiding accidents”) campaign with the goal of reducing the number and severity of occupational accidents. Particular attention is given to trainees. Accidents involving private individuals who occasionally carry out wood-related work are not included in this chart. Many forest owners harvest their wood with their own conventional equipment, particularly in small-scale private forests. Timber harvesting courses (5-day basic course and 5-day advanced course) make a valuable contribution to safety at work. 

Since the definition of “accident” differs from country to country, it is not possible to make direct comparisons.

All employees of forestry companies are required by law to be insured against occupational accidents and non-occupational accidents with Suva (Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund). Forestry operations and companies report all accidents immediately to the Suva. In turn, the Suva is required by law to provide data on accidents for the statistics of all Swiss accident insurers on an ongoing basis.