Elevated stands, such as those used for hunting, position the user above the ground for better visibility and scent dispersal. However, this elevation introduces a severe risk: the danger of a fall from height. Falls are the single leading cause of serious injury and fatality among elevated stand users. The average fall height is approximately 16 feet, a distance that can result in catastrophic injuries upon impact. Statistics reveal that falls from these platforms are responsible for a majority of hunting-related accidents, far surpassing injuries from firearms.
User Impairment and Procedural Mistakes
Elevated stand incidents are largely attributable to human factors, often involving procedural oversights or the hunter’s physical state. The majority of falls (up to 74% in some studies) happen during movement, not while the user is stationary. This includes climbing into the stand, descending, or transitioning onto the main platform.
Losing three points of contact with the ladder or climbing steps is a frequent procedural mistake leading to a sudden slip. Hunters often lose balance when carrying gear, which is why safety guidelines prohibit climbing with anything in hand or on the back. Rushing the process, particularly in the dark, can cause a lapse in attention to securing footing or latching safety devices.
Physical impairment also contributes significantly to fall risk, particularly fatigue and the use of impairing substances. Falling asleep in the stand can lead to a fall if the hunter shifts position suddenly without a safety tether. Alcohol or certain prescription medications affect balance, coordination, and judgment, dramatically increasing the likelihood of an error while maneuvering at height.
Equipment Failure and Installation Errors
While human error accounts for a large segment of falls, structural issues involving the equipment itself also contribute substantially to incidents. Structural failure is a factor in over 30% of falls, sometimes involving a sudden mechanical breakdown. This includes failure of load-bearing components like rusted bolts, cracked welds, or the snap of a cable or chain securing the stand.
Improper maintenance or prolonged exposure to the elements is a common cause of equipment failure, leading to slow structural degradation. Straps and ropes, especially synthetic materials, weaken significantly from continuous exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and moisture. Safety standards recommend replacing load-bearing straps every two years, even if they appear intact, to prevent failure caused by unseen material fatigue.
Installation errors create hazardous conditions by placing undue stress on the equipment or the tree itself. Setting a stand on a dead, leaning, or unsuitable tree can cause the tree to shift or splinter under the load, leading to a fall. Failure to secure the stand’s attachment straps tightly enough or incorrectly leveling the platform introduces instability, causing the stand to shift when the hunter steps onto it.
The Role of Full-Body Harnesses
While user errors and equipment issues cause the initial fall, the failure to use a Full-Body Harness (FBH), or Fall Arrest System (FAS), is the direct cause of serious injury or fatality. A fall is only mitigated by a system that catches the user before they hit the ground. FBHs meeting industry standards, such as those established by the Treestand Manufacturers Association (TMA), distribute the impact force across the body’s stronger areas.
The most important safety rule is to be tethered to the tree from the moment the user’s feet leave the ground until they return. This continuous connection is achieved using a lifeline system. The system employs a rope and a prussic knot that slides up and down the main line but locks instantly upon a sudden downward force. This prevents a freefall during the dangerous ascent and descent phases.
Should a fall occur, the FBH will arrest the drop, but the user is still at risk of suspension trauma if left hanging for an extended period. This condition, also known as harness hang syndrome, can happen within minutes as blood pools in the legs, reducing flow to the brain and other organs. Therefore, all FAS systems include a suspension relief strap or similar device to allow the user to stand and relieve pressure while awaiting rescue.