How to comply

There are many basic solutions for controlling the various hazards and risks in forestry harvesting and haulage operations.

Initial planning is critical

Many potential health and safety problems can be addressed in the initial planning process in consultation with the land owner, land manager/principal contractor, harvesting and haulage contractors, sub contractors and employees.  The consultation and decision-making process should resolve potential conflicts of environmental and silvicultural requirements to ensure forestry high risk activities are able to be undertaken safely.

But it is not enough to simply eliminate the obvious risks – by law employers are responsible for controlling all potential safety hazards in their workplace.

Where solutions are not obvious, duty holders should use a process to help them determine the most effective control measures for the risks they find in their workplace.

WorkSafe has a range of guidance materials to advise on the required processes and actions that duty-holders must take in order to meet their legal obligations. Compliance Codes, Health and safety Solutions and Guidance notes each provide detailed advice for duty holders seeking to comply with the OHS regulations.