Forest Operations > Conduct Feller Buncher Operations > Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Requirements

Slips, trips and falls

Falls from heights may occur when checking machinery (e.g. feller buncher, skidder or forwarder).

The basic precautions are to keep metal surfaces clean of any spilled fuel or oil; any spills must be cleaned up immediately to prevent any incident or accident occurring.

Where there is a need to access points above two metres and hard to reach places, use a temporary platform.

This could be the back of a vehicle with a slip resistant surface (e.g. rubber mat) or a secured ladder on the ground.

Slips and trips that result in a fall are a common hazard in the forest environment and are relevant to most activities.

Operators should always use the “3 Points of Contact” (two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot on steps and hand rails) when entering or exiting the machine.

Always face the machine when entering or exiting the cabin.

Before leaving the cabin the operator should check that the area around the machine is free of debris that may cause slips, trips and falls.

Never jump from the feller buncher steps as you could incur injuries such as sprained ankles or lower leg stab wounds from debris. 

When performing maintenance on machinery, and you have to climb up the machine, (place tools, grease gun, parts etc) up on the machine before you climb.

Do not climb with tools, grease gun, spare parts etc in hands.

Do not exit the cabin facing out wards or jump off the machine from any point.

NEVER! Climb on to the bonnet or roof of a machine to remove aerials, hazard warning lights etc, once the machine has been loaded onto a float or trailer for transport.

Figs 12a Correct enter and exit of the cabin.	12b incorrect method of exiting the cabin