Forest Operations > Operational Hazards > Machine Safety

Machine Safety

Many of the machines used in Harvest and Haulage operations are very large and have lifting and cutting attachments.

This causes a number of risks to you as the operator, and to other people on site.

Some of these risks are listed below:

• Poor visibility when inside machine;
• High damage from low impact accidents due to the weight of the machine;
• Heavy parts increasing the risk of strains during maintenance;
• Sharp blades/chains and knives;
• Moving parts which can lead to crushing if machine not isolated correctly;
• High access to machine cabin or maintenance platforms;
• Repetitive operation can lead to muscle strain;
• High Pressure Hydraulic fluids;
• Crushed by trees.

It is therefore very important that when operating heavy machinery you are aware of what the machine is capable of, and also of where other people are at the time of operation.

It is also important that other people know where you are when operating the machine so they can help you if you get into trouble.

One of the most important rules in a forest operation, is to stay back 2 tree lengths from any working forest machinery see Fig 28).

Fig 28 Sign indicating a minimum of two trees lengths