Issue Date:  -  Friday, 13 August 2004

Injuries on Timber sites reflect need for awareness

The number of forestry and logging employees absent from work due to injuries, illnesses and diseases is increasing, warns WorkSafe, WA’s occupational safety and health (OSH) watchdog.  According to WorkSafe, this signals the urgent need for increased awareness on worksites.

“Forestry and logging workplaces are particularly hazardous for workers,” WorkSafe Commissioner Nina Lyhne said.  “Sadly since 1990, 13 people have died in this industry.”

Absences from work due to injuries have been on the rise since 2001, despite less people working within the industry.  An average of 44 workers have been absent from worksites, each year.

 “Changes in the workforce, the increase in the volume of plantation timber across WA and use of dangerous machinery may be contributing factors to injury rates,” Ms Lyhne said.

“With less jobs available some workers may be ‘pushing on’ with injuries and becoming increasingly fatigued.

“WorkSafe is concerned that workers and employers may be unaware of the current occupational safety and health laws, and their importance in making the workplace safer.”

To raise awareness and improve safety and health standards within the industry, WorkSafe will commence a Targeted Enforcement and Awareness Drive.  Over the next 10 months, WA forestry and logging worksites will be randomly assessed for compliance with OSH regulations.

To help employers understand their OSH obligations, copies of the checklist to be used by WorkSafe Inspectors are available by phoning WorkSafe on 9722 2888 or the Forest Industries Federation of WA on 9380 4510.  

The timber industry itself has developed guidance material to improve occupational safety and health in timber milling and processing and for native forest/hardwood and plantation logging.  This is available from the Forest Industries Federation of WA.

“Every employee has the right to work in a safe and healthy environment,” Ms Lyhne said. 

“These pro-active inspections are aimed at increasing the overall standards on worksites, so that less workers are injured as a result of their work.”