Forestry

Forestry sector plan

Our priority plan for the forestry sector primarily covers forest harvesting in commercial forestry operations.

Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Forest Operations

This Approved Code of Practice provides guidance on how to safely carry out the planning, establishment, silviculture, harvesting and transportation of logs and log products.

Roles and responsibilities of principals and contractors

This provides more clarity to the health and safety obligations for businesses and contractors involved in forest operations.

Industry safety alerts

Forestry industry safety alerts provided by industry (both domestically and internationally)

Maintenance of trees around powerlines

This approved code of practice trees describes minimum standards and preferred work practices for work on trees near power lines.

Health and safety in the arboriculture industry

This guide is primarily aimed at the arboriculture industry. It provides guidance on how to safely climb, prune, trim, maintain and remove trees, cut brush and for using equipment. It does not provide advice on electrical hazards

Tree felling near powerlines in forestry operations

The following guidance is provided for Inspectors who engage with duty holders working near power lines. This could include e.g tree felling operations, operating mobile plant and arboriculture operations.

Mobile plant assessment tool

This assessment tool has a focus on the machines involved in machine felling and extraction. It is designed to supplement the Forestry Assessment tool which has a broader focus on the people, the site, and the plan.

Tree work

Find more information about safety during tree-felling, safe retreat positions during breaking out and more specific tree guidance on our tree work topic page.

Resources

Download our Safe Start breakfasts presentation.