Harvesting and safety

Authors: Chris Goulding
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2014, Issue N.Z.J.For. 59(3) 2014, pp 2, Nov 2014
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Regardless of how New Zealand’s current forestry safety record compares with other countries, or how it compares with the past, the recent rate of deaths and serious injuries is unacceptable. While a safety culture with workers looking out for themselves and their workmates is very important, there is only so much that tailgate meetings, correct clothing, acceptable production pressure and the like can achieve. I share the view that logging safety in New Zealand will only be significantly improved when there is ‘no worker on the slope, no hand on the chainsaw’. This will only be achieved through the mechanisation of harvesting operations.

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