Improved safety and better productivity are the driving forces behind the new Log Haulage Industry Code of Practice (LHC) released yesterday by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
Several years in the making the Code has been a joint effort of the NHVR and key forestry associations, the Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA) and the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA).
NHVR’s acting chief safety and productivity officer Kelli Walker says the LHC offers a practical guide for anyone conducting business in the forestry sector.
Walker says the group had identified key issues in log haulage, such as the risk of vehicle rollover, and load loss and worked to present information that would help to avoid these events.
“This new Code strikes a balance between detailed recommendations and practical information, to help an industry which operates in many different environments, with different kinds of products,” Walker says.
The LHC provides information and guidance for any operator whose business:
- Owns a forestry area where logs are harvested,
- Harvests or stockpiles logs for transport,
- Loads, operates or contracts heavy vehicles to transport logs, or
- Manages a facility such as a mill where logs are delivered.
“Achieving both productivity and safety in the log haulage industry means every person and business is required to play their role in mitigating and addressing risks,” Walker says.
“It’s fantastic to know the LHC will assist industry to do so and help ensure all workers get home safely at the end of the day.
“Thanks to everyone who contributed to the LHC’s development or assisted in providing feedback to help us reach this important milestone.”
The NVHR will work further with industry associations and participants to roll out information and awareness of the Code, in a project funded by a Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative grant.
Read the Log Haulage Industry Code of Practice.
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