Forestry safety feedback wanted

FILE

The Independent Forestry Safety Review Panel has released a document for public consultation, as it works to reduce the high number of fatalities and injuries in forestry.

The panel will travel to Rotorua on June 18 to meet workers, contractors, forest managers and owners to learn more about their views on improving safety in the forestry sector. Last year, 11 workers were injured and eight killed in the Bay of Plenty.

Panel chairman George Adams said forestry in New Zealand was far too dangerous.

"Everyone in the industry recognises that fact and that's why the review has been established.

"It is clear change must occur to prevent injuries and save lives. The consultation document provides an opportunity for everyone in the industry and the public to have a say in what those changes should be."

Mr Adams said the panel wanted to get all the issues on the table, even those that were well known.

"It is important for people to tell the panel if we have missed something in our summary of the issues that is essential to improving safety. We also want people to tell us what they think about the options for change the panel has proposed."

Minister of Labour Simon Bridges welcomed the release of the document.

"It's important that the forestry industry has taken ownership of the issue as enduring safety solutions cannot be made by Government alone.

"Their independent review is far-ranging and I encourage stakeholders and the public to have their say on the consultation document."

The document is broken down into three overlapping areas and considers the organisation of the forestry sector, people working on the forest block and the machines and equipment used in forestry.

Panel member Mike Cosman said the panel was not interested in blame but in the things that needed to change and how those changes could happen.

"It is clear that widespread change by many is needed."

The document and consultation details can be found at www.ifsr.co.nz. Feedback is due by 12pm on July 4.