Premiums may fell tree industry

THE disastrous impact of spiralling insurance costs on a wide range of companies has been well documented, but the latest case of an industry in trouble must surely rank among the must bizarre.

Apparently, forestry contractors are currently facing a crisis because of the huge premiums insurance companies are charging to cover chainsaw operators.

In the wrong hands, it would be difficult to exaggerate the dangers which a chainsaw could pose. But when used by a professional, it is generally regarded as a relatively safe piece of equipment.