Forest Operations > Introduction

Introduction

Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare (OHS&W)

Forest operations are amongst the world's most dangerous occupations if risks are not managed.

This resource is designed to provide you with the information you need to reduce risks, protect you, and help you look after your workmates.

Accidents generally are caused, and in most instances, are preventable.

Think back to your last accident, or a person you saw with an injury.  Could you have done anything to prevent it from happening?

Before you start a task you need to assess the safest way of doing it.  This may mean a change in the way something is done, rather than doing it just the same as always.

Knowing the risks before doing a job could save a life - that life may be yours!

Safety at work is everyone’s responsibility. The management of everyone’s safety is based on the principle of managing risk.

Environmental Care

In addition to OH&S requirements in forest operations, there are requirements for maintaining the environment and environmental care principles that you must meet.

These requirements will be outlined in a forest coupe plan and may include:

During your daily forest activities you are required to keep a check on the environment for any changes or hazards that may occur.

Fig 1 Habitat tree for animals.

Fig 1 Habitat tree for animals.

Forest activities can impact on the environment and you should make sure any impact is minimized.

Environmental Care is part of every operation – not an after-thought.

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