Washington Timber Faller Deaths Prompted Hazard Alert
State officials issued a new safety alert following the deaths of three timber workers in 2025.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Allergies
The Washington State Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation program released a hazard alert after three timber fallers died in 2025. These fatalities marked the end of a four-year period in Washington during which no timber faller deaths were recorded.
Why it matters
The alert was issued to address recurring safety hazards, including workers being struck by trees while working too close to one another. It aims to prevent further loss of life by reiterating mandatory site assessments and distance requirements.
The 2025 fatalities involved two 33-year-olds and one 45-year-old worker. Safety regulations mandate maintaining a distance of at least two tree lengths between employees to mitigate risks from falling debris and trees.
The players
Washington State Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program
This program investigates workplace fatalities to identify safety hazards and issue prevention recommendations.
The details
Investigators noted that victims were involved in incidents involving partially cut trees and wind-felled snags, with one worker killed while positioned only 18 feet from a trainee. Employers are now reminded that they must assess sites for dangers like dead limbs and rolling logs while enforcing strict separation rules.
Timeline
From 2021 to 2024, Washington recorded no timber faller deaths.
Three timber fallers died in the state during 2025.
The WA FACE program issued the hazard alert on September 28, 2026.
The Big Picture
This alert reinforces the existing Washington state timber industry accident-prevention requirements by highlighting specific failures in worker separation. It serves as a regulatory reminder that adherence to these mandates is essential for maintaining a safe logging environment.
Workers in the timber industry must ensure they are following the required two-tree length separation distance from colleagues at all times. Failure to maintain these boundaries or neglect in assessing site hazards like snags and decay can result in fatal on-site accidents.
The takeaway
Safety protocols in the logging industry are designed to account for unpredictable variables like wind-felled snags and site-specific decay. Consistently applying these prevention programs is the primary defense against the recurring hazards that led to the 2025 fatalities.
Further reading
Learn more about workplace safety and health standards in Washington.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Occupational Health & Safety.
