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First of its kind Forestry Safety Code for WA

Ian Telfer, Wendy Perdon, Peter Beatty and Phil Ugle

WA’s sustainable forest industries released a milestone Forestry Safety Code, with businesses embracing an innovative and safer future.  Source: Timberbiz

The Forest Industries Federation WA (FIFWA) Forestry Safety Code provides a critically important guide on workplace health and safety in forestry operations, highlighting potential hazards and providing direction on risk assessment and control measures. It was co-funded by the Forest Products Commission (FPC).

FIFWA President Ian Telfer and FPC Commissioner Simon Byrne officially launched the FIFWA Forestry Safety Code in Bunbury, along with industry representatives including FIFWA Chief Executive Officer Adele Farina.

Mr Telfer said the Code was the first of its kind in WA, encompassing all aspects of the forest industry, including plantation establishment, maintenance, harvesting operations, loading, chemical handling, fire management and in-field chipping operations.

“The safety of everyone working in the forest industry is a top priority for FIFWA and its members,” Mr Telfer said.

The new Code aligns with the Work, Health and Safety Act 2020 (WHS Act) and replaces the previous Logging Safety Code 2016, which was focused on harvesting operations only.

Commissioner Byrne said the FPC was delighted to see the increasing focus on safety within industry.

“We embrace the view that safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we are committed to continuing to build a robust health and safety culture,” Commissioner Byrne said.

“FPC firmly supports this new guidance for the forestry industry.”

FIFWA engaged the services of PF Olsen to develop the new Safety Code, overseen by a steering committee chaired by Bernie Dawson, and including representatives from all sectors of industry and WorkSafe WA.

Mr Telfer said months of hard work had gone into working with and seeking feedback from various groups and businesses within industry, to ensure that the Code was widely applicable.

He said the completed FIFWA Safety Code was relevant to all main operations within forestry in WA and was a significant step forward for industry.

“The FIFWA Safety Code is the result of successful industry collaboration and engagement and is a significant body of work,” Mr Telfer said.

“The Code is specific to our forestry operations here in WA and will make for a safer industry, with a sensible and practical approach.

“This is something our industry wanted and pushed for, and they should be congratulated for being innovators in health and safety.”

FPC General Manager Stuart West also congratulated FIFWA on the new Safety Code.

“The result is a positive step forward for our industry, and FPC is proud to have co-funded this important initiative,” Mr West said.