Editorial: Stage set for better safety in forestry

A new report recommends an overhaul of safety oversight and practices.

Yesterday marked a watershed moment in New Zealand forestry and workplace safety.

In the same week we reported on the work of grieving Rotorua couple Marsella and Wiremu (Lee) Edmonds promoting forest safety to an international audience, the final report of the Independent Forestry Safety Review panel was released in Rotorua.

It comes on the back of the industry's horrific record of 32 deaths since 2008, including 10 last year. One of those was the Edmonds' son Robert Ruri-Epapara.

The forest is the most dangerous workplace in New Zealand - the sector's fatality rate is 15 times the overall rate for all sectors combined, and its injury rate is double that of other sectors.

It helps explain why this report has been so keenly awaited.

Despite so many tragic instances, the systems in place are not sufficient.
The report recommends an overhaul of safety oversight and practices including what has been reported as a "package of practical measures that are expected to result in a significant reduction in the rate of serious injuries and fatalities in the forestry sector by 2017".

The report puts the onus on all parties, including workers and unions, to work together to make a difference. A key factor will be, as the report notes, making a significant improvement to the safety culture in the industry.

Results from the survey of workers undertaken by the panel make interesting reading.
On one hand it's good to see 99 per cent of workers believe their boss takes safety seriously. But it's worrying to see a quarter of workers say they know of people coming to work affected by drugs and alcohol.

It's also worrying to see how many workers continue working when the weather is bad, noting that many don't get paid if they stop.
The review was a huge undertaking, and now with its release it's clear there's a lot of work ahead on the road to improvement.

All stakeholders must now do their bit to ensure none of this is for nought.