5 August 2013

The forest industry will soon announce an inquiry into safety in response to criticism it is not doing enough to stop workers dying or being hurt.

There have been 28 deaths since 2008, including six in the last year. About 330 workers were seriously hurt last year, making it one of the most dangerous industries to work in, although this is a big improvement on five years ago when double that number were injured on the job.

With the industry's poor record in the spotlight since the release of the findings of the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety which found the system "not fit for purpose", the pressure has gone on from unions and families of victims for action.

Labour Minister Simon Bridges has rejected the need for a government inquiry, saying a code of practice for the sector, which was implemented in December, would make a difference once it had had time to "bed in".

However, the Forest Owners Association and the Forestry Industry Contractors Association have agreed to hold their own inquiry and expect to announce details within the next few weeks.

Contractors chief executive John Stulen said they were still finalising who would be involved and how it would be structured but it was likely to be based on the taskforce model to ensure it was independent.

Worker and union representation was still under discussion but they would be included. "I can't see how it cannot do that".

He said the inquiry would be wide-ranging, thorough and open.

Source: Story by Peter Watson, Nelson Mail. To read the full story, click here.