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Introduction

Work in the harvesting and cartage sector can be hazardous. It is often isolated and incidents carry a high risk of serious injury or fatality. The health and safety of people working in the bush is a crucial issue for our sector.

This site links you to some useful Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) information but nothing can beat the day-to-day practice of being on constant lookout for hazards and making sure they are fixed. All working coupes must have an OH&S management system, based on prevention of fatalities or injuries.

Health and safety obligations cannot be "contracted out".

Under the OHS Act, employers have a broad duty or responsibility to provide a workplace that is safe and healthy. Employees have a responsibility to follow procedures and assist in making the workplace safe.

Health and safety responsibilities are allocated down through contractual arrangements. Landowners, principle contractors and subcontractors all have OH&S responsibilities which largely depend on the degree of effective control that they exercise.

Safety in forest operations is a new booklet put out by Workcover. It was developed with input from all the industry sector stakeholders including harvesting contractors. Visit the Victorian Workcover Authority web site to order a hardcopy or contact the CFMEU Forestry Division

The Safety Development Fund Project

The CFMEU and VFHCC with financial assistance from VWA are running a Safety Development Fund project to implement and promote the Guide and build best practice network and and communication in the harvesting and haulege sector across Victoria.

You can get an update on these activities on our Bulletin Board which also features an OH & S FAQ (frequently asked OH &S questions ) forum.

The Tree Felling Safety Group Report.

The Coroners Office has completed a report into chainsaw related deaths.

From this work a fatigue study was commissioned.

ACTU OH&S Digest No 12 April 2002

For information on OH&S legislation, Codes of Practice and guides, click on the links below:

Workcover logoVictorian Workcover Authority
http://www.workcover.vic.gov.au

ACTU logoAustralian Council of Trade Unions
http://www.actu.asn.au

Victorian Trades Hall Council logoVictorian Trades Hall Council
http://www.ohsrep.org.au

CFMEU logoPulp & Paper Workers Branch - Occupational Health & Safety & Environment Unit
http://www.ppwsafety.org

Stem Serve http://www.stemserv.com.au