Draft Safety Codes of Practice Released

Safe Work Australia has now released the fourth set of draft model Codes of Practice for public comment. These new draft Codes include: Managing Risk in Forestry Operations (draft Code) and the associated Managing Risks associated with Cable Logging (draft Guide). Public comment to Safe Work Australia closes on 24 August 2012. Source: AFPA
Since 1 January 2012, six jurisdictions have implemented new WHS laws based on the model WHS laws: Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania (with a commencement date of 1 January 2013), the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory and the Commonwealth. The draft Code has been developed by Safe Work Australia to support the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and Regulations.
The draft Code aims to provide practical guidance for duty holders in forestry operations on how to eliminate or minimise the risks. It attempts to provide advice on planning, coordination and preparation, work health and safety practices for forestry operations and guidance on identifying hazards and common control measures. The draft Guide provides practical guidance for persons conducting a business or undertaking on how to manage health and safety risks associated with cable logging activities, in support of the draft Code.
Safety in the workplace is of immense importance to the forest industry and AFPA has a strong interest in this area. AFPA will review closely the detail contained in the draft Code and draft Guide, seeking feedback from our members and other affected stakeholders with the intent to submit comments to Safe Work Australia.