A RUNAWAY stump slid down a slope and smashed into the cabin of a harvester. 

The operator of the Tigercat LH845 suffered minor injuries – including a scratch to their head – when the tree broke through the protective polycarbonate side window.

Forestry officials have released details from the incident – which occurred on a steep, windblown site – in a bid to alert others to the dangers of dead and degraded shallow rooted stumps. 

A safety bulletin read: "The harvester operator was very experienced in  the machine type, working on steep ground and in the clearance of windblow.

It is assumed that a dead and degraded, shallow rooted stump, sitting on exposed rock, similar to the stump indicated, became loose through degradation, and slid down the slope.It is assumed that a dead and degraded, shallow rooted stump, sitting on exposed rock, similar to the stump indicated, became loose through degradation, and slid down the slope. (Image: Supplied)

"The worksite slope was up to 30°, with areas of steeper exposed rock outcrops. The site had suffered extensive windblow over a long period of time, with many of the windblown trees having died and degraded, further complicating the work, and increasing the site hazards.

"The majority of the windblow was unmerchantable.

"The stump that struck the harvester was from a dead and degraded tree.

"From the stump shape, it is assumed that it would have been shallow rooted, and perhaps situated on an area of steep rock, resulting in it loosening, sliding away and picking up speed as it fell down the hill.

"As you work through areas of windblow on steep ground, if you identify loose windblown timber or stumps, which may slide away and endanger those working below, where practical, lift these and bed them securely in the brash mat." 

While the wounds didn't affect the individual's ability to work, the stump also inflicted minor cuts to their index finger. 

The bulletin added: "Windblown timber can quickly loose commercial value if it is allowed to degrade, the costs to clear it, and risks to safety, can increase significantly, the longer it is left.

"When planning woodland establishment, and during restocking, consider future commercial viability, costs and safety risks. Especially in areas, which due to location and landform, have previously suffered extensive windblow. 

"In the overall woodland design and restructuring, consider which areas are best suited for future timber production or are best targeted toward native woodland."