Scottish Gamekeepers have aksed the insureres and this is what they said.
“After much deliberation, we feel that the use of a chainsaw to clear access paths is more than a basic conservation activity, and therefore not covered as a gamekeeping activity. It goes beyond the intent of the policy.
We appreciate ‘Conservation activity’ is quite a broad term, however the use of a chainsaw to clear access paths to high seats and removal of unwanted trees goes beyond the realms of a habitat improving conservation activity, and also beyond the activities of deer stalking.
The way I read that SGA response ' clearing access paths and trees'
That wording could be taken to mean cutting wind blow and storm damaged trees off forest tracks.
Which can be a dangerous job at times.
That sort of wording/blurb is the sort BS they put on ur RAMS when ur going in clearing storm damage off forest tracks
If I read that statement I would think u were doing more than just brashing a few trees.
Possibly ask the SGA to go back to their insurer and ask if ' pruning trees/branches with a chainsaw' is covered??
Possibly just a mis communication if someone doesnae know wot brashimg means
I work in forestry and reading that statement it could be taken 2 ways, but I also know wot ur doing.
Possibly 'pruning ' might seem a less severe word and less room for mis understandings.
Really it is quite a big issue if u are not covered for chainsaw work.
I always assumed I was.
And will be so many folk esp involved in DIY syndicates brashing beating tracks and building pheasant pens on work parties.
Really their should be an article highlighting this in the mag.
As many won't have tickets or PPE either
Another thing to watch is lone person working.
It's a big NO on commercial sites on a saw.
I don't know if insurance would cover u working solo ( but every ones
done it)
Commercial Ins used to be 400 quid odd.
Must admit been a long time since I bothered with it, and I'm SE on saws/machines.
But I'm covered under my bosses that I sub too
