New safety rules for forestry sector
HSA chief executive Tom Beegan reminded everyone in the industry from landowner to contractor of their clear legal obligation to ensure a safe work environment.
“The forestry industry in Ireland has evolved in recent years and we now have a situation where the vast majority of forestry work is carried out by contractors engaged by private landowners.
“The HSA’s new code of practice acknowledges this development and is designed to provide everyone in the forestry industry with an accessible guide to health and safety management.
"It is an important publication that everyone in the industry should implement.”
HSA inspector Tommy O’Sullivan, who was centrally involved in drawing up the publication, said forestry operations are dangerous and each year serious injuries occur in the sector.
The code will ensure everyone in the industry is aware of their obligations.
“Good health and safety management, at all levels, is essential to avoid fatalities and serious injury in forestry operations. The HSA’s new publication sets out in clear terms the health and safety duties of everyone from landowner to sub-contractor,” he said.
