Forest Operations > Conduct Skidder Operations > Operational Hazards

Operational Hazards

As in most outside work involving large products, heavy machinery and a number of workers, there are some hazards associated with forest operation tasks.

However with the correct training and right attitude to the tasks, no person should be at risk of injury or harm.

If all workers on a forest operation understand industry standards and codes of practice, OH&S legislation and worksite policies & procedures they should be safe from any incidents.

Refer back to the section: Industry Standards and Codes of Practice and Organisational Policies and Procedures.

Unexpected machine movement

• Assess each pile of bunched trees/stems before grappling and lifting off the ground, the weight along with terrain may give unexpected movement to the machine.
• Ensure the machine is fitted with protective structures.
• Keep the cabin door closed.
• Make sure the machine is in a stable position before grappling trees/stems.
• Leave trees that are beyond the capability of you or the machine for chainsaw operator to cut into shorter lengths.

Proximity to other workers

• Ensure there are no exposed workers within two tree-Iengths of the skidder.
• If so, stop until the person is in a safe position, (machine operators have protection, and grounded workers don’t.)
• Ensure that there are no other machines within one tree-length of the skidder. If so: stop until the machine is in a safe position.

Unplanned machine or component movement 

• Put the machine in a stable position, preferably in line to the intended direction of logs/trees are to be skidded.
• Do not travel up or down slopes beyond the capabilities of the machine.
• Avoid working across sloped terrain.

Other machines

• Ensure that there are no other machines (with FOPS and ROPS) within one tree-length of the felling machine. If there are, stop felling until the machine is in a safe position.
• All other machines must be beyond two dominate tree-lengths from working machine. 
• Plan the skidding task to avoid machines working too close to each other.
• Operators should communicate with each other to avoid unsafe practices.  

Machine instability

• Do not operate the machine beyond its slope capability. (Note this will vary with ground conditions e.g. soil type, and when it’s wet). 
• Keep the load weight low when working on slopes.  
• Do not attempt to skid beyond the machine or your capabilities.
• Select a travel path that avoids side slopes, stumps and soft ground.