What should a sawyer do if they identify hazards during a cutting assessment?

When a sawyer identifies hazards during a cutting assessment, altering the cutting plan or refusing to proceed is the most appropriate action. Safety is paramount in any cutting operation, especially in wildland firefighting where environmental factors can pose significant risks.

By assessing and acknowledging the hazards, the sawyer demonstrates an awareness of the dangers that could affect their safety and the safety of their team. It may involve changing the plan to avoid unsafe areas, using different techniques or equipment, or in certain situations, deciding that proceeding with the operation is too dangerous.

This proactive approach not only protects the individual sawyer but also helps safeguard other crew members in the vicinity and the integrity of the operation. Taking such precautions is essential in minimizing risk and ensuring that all activities conducted with a chainsaw are done safely and effectively.

In contrast, continuing to cut with caution could overlook escalation of hazards and risk injury. Documenting hazards for review may be useful for future operations but does not address immediate safety concerns. Ignoring hazards is never an option, as it directly compromises the safety of the work environment.