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Forest Operations > Operational Hazards > Driving
Driving
People working in forests are often required to undertake a reasonable amount of driving throughout their work day.
Fig 25 Kangaroo warning sign.
In some cases you may be required to drive for up to an hour or more to and from the worksite.
Driving to and from the workplace can be just as hazardous as working in a forest operation.
Many workers drive to work in the early hours of the morning, often in the dark which increases the risks.
Sharing driving duties can help with fatigue and with vehicle breakdowns or traffic incidents/accidents, particularly if there are long distances involved.
Early mornings and late afternoons often mean increased animal activity (kangaroos – see Fig 25) and restricted visibility due to sun glare, poor lighting or darkness.
The journey to and from the workplace normally involves a range of different road conditions, and the driver needs to adjust their driving style and speed to suit the conditions.
If it rains heavily overnight, you may need to change your route into the forest (see Fig 26).
Fig 26 This track was not like this yesterday.
Always refer to the coupe or harvest plan for entrance points, tracks not to be used, and traffic direction to avoid any incidents or unexpected oncoming vehicles, (e.g. over the crest of a hill or track intersection).
Drivers of vehicles should always give way to log trucks and travel at the appropriate and nominated speed limits. It is common for all vehicles to have their headlights on while in logging areas.
In some operations, you will be required to announce your entrance to the forest coupe via two way radio.
Parking areas
Parking of vehicles and machines at the workshop or in the forest needs to be planned carefully.
Drivers need to take into account other vehicles and not to block access tracks or work shop entrances.
Designated parking areas are often identified in the coupe/harvest plan for forest areas.
When the need to park on forest roads and/or tracks, room for machines and cars to pass needs to be considered otherwise it could be….. (see Fig 27)
Fig 27 Wrong spot to park!
We suspect this was a very expensive and embarrassing moment for some forest workers that had a lot of explaining to do to their boss.
It is just not machines and other vehicle you have to look out for. Look at the trees near your park site and the terrain you are parking on.
Self Help Activity 13, Working at height
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Self Help Activity 14, Driving
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