"Best practice was disregarded at every step, all that was needed was a person to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. That day, that person was my son, but it could have been any one of those workers."
Mr Edmonds said Mr Epapara's death highlighted the importance of forestry workers having daily morning safety meetings, documented tree felling plans identifying the positions of workers and radio communication, all of which were absent the day he died.
Mr Edmonds said he also believed a key protocol in the industry had been breached twice, as two trees were felled within two tree lengths of Mr Epapara.
"I am concerned as accidents don't just happen.
"There will be a series of events or circumstances that will lead up to a workplace accident," he said.
Mr Edmonds said he hoped the inquest would help prevent similar accidents in the future.
Mr Epapara's biological father Robert Ruri, from Christchurch, agreed, saying he hoped it would spur changes.
He believed those people who felled a tree which killed or injured another worker should have to resit their training before going back into the industry. "Robert meant the world to me. It was my darkest day [when he died]. So I expect as a father, that people can't just go back into the job. I mean, you've taken a life."
Dr Bain said something good was sure to come out of the inquest.
His recommendations will be made when eight inquests involving forestry workers have been heard.
