30 January 2014

The ink is barely dry on the Forest Operations Approved Code of Practice, but it is now being reviewed by Worksafe New Zealand.

The Code, which was developed by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment and rolled out last year, is being reviewed by WorkSafe NZ with a view to making what it calls "critical changes" to improve worker safety and clarify expectations and responsibilities for operators.

Chair Professor Gregor Coster says "The current Code of Practice is more focused on the ‘worker on the hill’. We want to ensure management, owners and other parties in the contracting chain are absolutely clear about their responsibilities. These are real, practical steps which can improve the health and safety environment for workers in forests."

The board welcomed the confirmation of the industry independent inquiry into forestry safety which begins next month. WorkSafe NZ will provide secretariat support to the inquiry.

"In addition to WorkSafe NZ’s proposed changes to the Code and involvement in the inquiry, I am joining the WorkSafe NZ Chief Executive, General Managers and Chief Inspectors in taking the message directly to the owners and managers in the forestry sector," said Professor Coster.

These face-to-face meetings build on the 164 inspections undertaken since August 2013 which have resulted in more than 200 enforcement actions, including 14 operations being shut down.

"The key is that forestry owners, managers and contractors must do more to protect the men and women on the bush line. That is why WorkSafe New Zealand is prepared to take this issue to the board room," he said.

Source: Worksafe NZ media release via Voxy