Freedom of Information Request - Chainsaw incidents & injuries
Date: 06 November 2024
Our ref: SIR177503/A4805125
Information Request – Chainsaw incidents & injuries
Your Request
‘Number of accidents/incidents recorded caused by the operation/use of chainsaws by NS/SNH staff, volunteers and contractors over the last 5 years.
The severity/impact of injuries caused by the use of chainsaws over the last 5 years The results of any internal investigations into accidents/incidents caused by the operation of chainsaws by NS/SNH staff/volunteers/contractors The number of RIDOOR reports submitted to HSE as a result of accidents/injuries caused by chainsaws over the last 10 years’
Our Response
Following a search of the information we hold our response is below.
1. Number of accidents/incidents recorded caused by the operation/use of chainsaws by NS/SNH staff, volunteers and contractors over the last 5 years.
There has been one incident over the last 5 years.
2. The severity/impact of injuries caused by the use of chainsaws over the last 5 years.
There were no injuries. The incident referred to in response to Question 1 was a near-miss.
3. The results of any internal investigations into accidents/incidents caused by the operation of chainsaws by NS/SNH staff/volunteers/contractors.
We have withheld this information as it could indirectly identify a third party. Releasing personal data into the public domain in response to an access to information request would breach the Data Protection Act 2018. We are therefore withholding the information under 11(2) (Personal Data) of the EIRs.
4. The number of RIDDOR reports submitted to HSE as a result of accidents/injuries caused by chainsaws over the last 10 years.
There have been no RIDDOR reports submitted by NatureScot over this period.
How We Handled Your Request
We believe you have asked for environmental information as defined in the Environmental Information (Scotland Regulations 2004 (‘the EIRs’), so we are dealing with your request under those regulations. To be able to use the EIRs, we must apply an exemption under section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (‘FOISA’). The Scottish Information Commissioner’s guidance recommends that public authorities apply this exemption to environmental information and handle request under the EIRs.
If you would like to find out more about the access to information legislation, there is a guidance booklet available on the Scottish Information Commissioner’s website.
Review and Appeal
I hope this information meets your requirements, but if you are dissatisfied with how we have responded to your information request, please write to us within 40 working days explaining your concerns. You can contact us at Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EW or email us at [email protected]. We will carry out a review of our response and contact you with our findings within 20 working days.
If you are not satisfied following this, you can make an appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner within 6 months. The Scottish Information Commissioner can be contacted at:
Scottish Information Commissioner
Kinburn Castle
Doubledykes Road
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9DS
Telephone: 01334 464610
Yours sincerely
FOI Officer,
NatureScot
