Aim

To raise the standards of training, competence and management within the forestry industry by:

• Increasing understanding of the legal framework pertaining to forest operations;
• Improving recognition of forestry industry good practice;
• Raising understanding of the principles of risk assessment systems deployed within forest operations;
• Encouraging selection of appropriate contractors, and
• Improving managers ability to monitor and review them.

Justification

Forestry operations continue to be a very high risk work activity with injury and ill-health rates that are well in excess of those in agriculture & construction. The need to continue to engage with this industry through SHADs is widely recognised as there is very little proactive inspection.  There is great demand and expectation amongst all key stakeholders within the industry for HSE to continue to have a presence to drive up standards.  

Invitees are selected as a targeted and discrete audience because they are best placed to improve standards of operative performance, by setting high standards and monitoring the quality of work carried out safely.

Forest operations are vital to rural economies and although the workforce is small in number by comparison, the work activities are very high risk. Accident analysis concludes that operatives can get badly injured and this has a high socio/economic impact

Audience / Industry

These events are targeted at those involved in forestry operations including forestry works managers, site safety co-ordinators, contractors & sub-contractors. They are run jointly by the HSE/Agriculture & Food Sector and Forestry Training Services of the Forestry Commission.

Historically, forestry SHAD attendees have been invited via the main forestry trade associations, including:

• UKFPA, United Kingdom forest products association
• FCA, Forest Contractors Association
• ConFor
• Forestry Commission.

FOD have also previously identified relevant businesses and other local organisations, including colleges and universities who deliver forestry/timber courses, who have encouraged their students to attend.

Messages

The key messages delivered through interactive practical demonstrations at Forestry SHADs are:

• Forestry work is high risk and can be extremely dangerous;
• The financial & social cost of an accident to all those involved should not be underestimated;
• Good health & safety management is good for business;
• Risks in forestry operations can never be completely eliminated but they can be successfully managed;
• Good & effective communication between all those involved is essential.

Activities required

Six forestry operations SHADs are planned for 2009/10, including 3 carried over from 2008/09. Their locations have been selected in consultation with the Forestry Commission and the industry.  These are Galloway (Scotland), Dalby North (Yorkshire & North East), and Fineshade, Corby (Midlands). The three further SHADs are to be held at locations in Devon, Grampian & Dyfed. These areas have been selected because they have previously not been covered by a SHAD within a reasonable radius.

These SHADs are to be arranged and delivered by the Sector.  FOD have in the past handled invitations and provided support at events and this would be welcomed again, eg to help identify the target audience and raise awareness of events locally, as well as to assist at SHADs. (nb This is also a useful training opportunity.)

Any site inspections (ie follow up visits to non attendees) must only be carried out by inspectors who have attended the “Forestry Appreciation” course, to ensure compliance with FOD’s Safety Policy.

Timing

Three Forestry SHADs have been arranged so far in 2009: 15 April in Galloway,
12 May in Dalby Forest, Yorks and 14 May at Fineshade, Corby, Northants.  The three remaining SHADs planned for 2009/10 have yet to be confirmed, but are anticipated in the autumn.

Further information and contact

Further information is available from Simon Parry, Ag and Food Sector. Worcester, Tel: 01905 743600, email simon.parry@hse.gsi.gov.uk

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