HSE aims to cut accidents and injuries in the North East forestry industry

HSE/NE/182/09 5 May 2009

Forestry workers across the North East are being invited to a free special event at Dalby Forest Visitor Centre on Tuesday, 12 May 2009 in a bid to help cut the high rate of fatal and major accidents in the industry.

Tree work has a major accident rate higher than that of the construction industry, with the key causes of injuries being chainsaws, falling timber and falls from height. During the last five years, over 400 people working in the forestry industry have suffered a major injury and 22 people have been killed.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has again teamed up with the Forestry Commission Learning and Development (previously Forest Training Services) to host a free Safety and Health Awareness Day dedicated to raising awareness of important health and safety issues specific to the forestry industry in order to try and reduce the number of fatal and serious incidents in this sector.

Bruno Porter, HSE lnspector, said:

"This event has been organised to raise awareness of key health and safety issues facing those in the forestry industry and give practical advice on how to avoid risks.

"Preventing an accident is much better than having to deal with the consequences, and this event will offer practical advice for staying safe on site.
"As part of our efforts to tackle accidents in the forestry industry we're also planning a series of inspection visits to forestry operations across the region, so the event offers an ideal opportunity for anyone wanting to refresh their knowledge of health and safety issues."

Forestry Safety and Health Awareness Days have been developed in partnership with the industry and are delivered by trainers who have years of practical experience working in forestry. The North East event is the latest in a series that have taken place across the UK, but is the first in the Dalby Forest area.

The days have proved very popular and those attending previous events have found them to be beneficial and enjoyable. The event is part of the HSE's programme of work in the industry during 2009, and inspectors will be looking closely at how forestry contractors are managed during planned inspections.

The event will reflect the type of forestry work taking place in the area and working scenarios will be based on situations that have led to serious and even fatal accidents. These will include the use of chainsaws and forwarders.

The experienced industry trainers will also deal with other significant hazards such as hand, arm and whole body vibration, noise, public access and working with contractors.

The events are aimed at all those involved in forestry operations including forestry work managers, site safety coordinators, contractors and operators. Managers should also consider bringing their contractors along to the event as it will be of mutual benefit in raising awareness and improving management of health and safety in forestry operations.

The free event, by invitation only, on 12 May will include two separate, identical sessions - one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Refreshments and a free lunch will be provided. Attendance is limited to 50 per session and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Notes to editors

1. The event on 12 May will be held at Dalby Forest Visitor Centre, near Thornton-le-Dale, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7LT. The morning session starts at 8.30 am and the afternoon session at 12.30 pm.
2. Although there is no limit to the number of places that can be requested, we may need to take account of overall response and the total limit on delegates.

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Issued on behalf of HSE by COI News and Pr North East