Accident Reporting And Analysis In Forestry

Resource-based industries like agriculture, fishing, mining and forestry suffer higher incidences of work-related accidents and illnesses than other occupational sectors. This document provides guidance for a wide spectrum of forestry stakeholders. The guidance emphasizes forestry accident investigation leading to accident reporting and subsequent analysis of the accident summaries. Forestry accident and illnesses are discussed and worldwide comparisons are made. Accident reporting forms are examined and sample forms supplied. Examples of successful safety and health improvements from accident analysis are shown. Laws and regulations regarding worker safety and health are examined and various approaches discussed. A summary, outlook and recommendations lead to future improvements to forestry reporting and analysis. The bibliography and references rely heavily on accessible internet and electronic sources.

The present working paper is primarily intended for producer organizations, trade unions, vocational training institutes, extensionists, instructors and relevant public bodies.The document addresses the forest as a work place, safety culture, workplace assessment, accident prevention and management, child labour, gender issues and selected health and safety issues. Reliable statistics on accident and fatality rates in forestry are missing, data available however indicates that forestry is a high-risk occupation. Workplace conditions in forestry are a function of site conditions, climate, weather, terrain and tree characteristics. The fundamentals of accident prevention are reduced hazard exposure and worker safety training. The first is achieved through risk assessments to identify hazards. Workers should be prepared for accidents at all times. Accident analysis is done to identify what occurred, the causes of the accident and how similar accidents might be avoided in future. Child labour is a human-rights issue and relevant to occupational safety and health. Reliable data on child labour in forestry is almost completely absent. Women in forestry can be exposed more often than men to musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory diseases and reproductive disorders due to chemical exposure. Women generally have a working capacity one-third lower than men. Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to dissipate heat to its surroundings. Heat stroke is the most serious health risk posed by heat stress. Risks and hazards associated with NWFPs derive from activities like climbing, cutting with sharp tools, digging and gathering, picking, and long and/or heavy manual transport.

This handbook summarizes key points in the full-length manual entitled "Cutting losses: an independent forest contractor's guide to accident prevention." The handbook is designed as a quick reference for contractors who want to review strategies and suggestions covered in the manual. It follows the same format and covers the following topics: the high costs of accidents and the economic benefits of accident prevention; the importance of people, attitude, and leadership in accident prevention; setting work standards; orientation of new workers; worker training to make safety standards a habit; assessment of safety performance; investigation of mishaps and accidents as a means for improving safety; and establishing an accident prevention program.