Table of Contents

Executive Summary 2

Research methodology 3

Introduction. 4

Summary of injuries resulting from tree harvesting in SA.. 5

Health Effects of Sprains and strains... 6

Legal requirements6

Safety Culture.. 7

Conclusions and Recommendations 7

References 10

List of Tables and Figures

Figure 1: Agriculture, forestry & shing: Incidence rate of serious injury.12

Figure 2: Work-related injuries in the Agriculture, forestry and shing industry: Percentage by
type of injury.. 12

Figure 3: Workers in the Agriculture, forestry and shing industry: Number by age and
employment status. 13

Table 1: General Workplace Inspection Checklist.................................................. . 14

1
Executive Summary

Forestry constitutes some of the biggest South Australian industries, with managing authorities-

Forestry South Australia- in charge of forests at approximately sixty-four thousand Hectares of

forest land for the sole purpose of production of timber for commercial use mainly in the South

Eastern region of South Australia. Over 47.5% of the plantations are under government reserves

under management by Forestry SA, South Australia. The rest is under the ownership of private

individuals and companies alike. The largest and most extensive industry in the processing of

timber is found in the South East; the vastest industry in manufacturing. The South Eastern part

of Australia produced 2,406,000m3 of timber in softwood form in the 2007/08 period, grossing at

150 million dollars. The wood industry here produces various kinds of timber such as woodchips

and laminated veneer for purposes of construction of buildings as well as bio-fuel manufacturing,

hence a source of employment to its residents; 130,000 people get either direct or indirect

employment annually, making over 2.8 billion dollars in returns (Forest and Wood Products

Industry Workforce and Industry Data Collection Survey Report, 2006).

Timber logging is a major activity in the South, as evidenced by the number of proprietary

businesses involved in the activity. Due to the increase in tree plantings, establishments in

logging have had a significant increase; in South Australia, establishments in this activity were at

5.5 percent in the period 2009/10. With respect to logging of timber (timber harvesting), which is

one activity done besides sawmilling, it presents a very challenging environment for the workers.

Most of the fatalities that befall these workers come about due to strikes by trees that are falling

as well as branches. Other factors that constitute this risk include getting struck by machines in

the process of felling, extraction, loading, processing or even transport. Rollover of machines

during these processes also constitutes the major fatalities.

2
The primary goal behind this report was to make a documentation of the extent that hazards

involved in tree harvesting or logging contribute to the dangers and/or severe fatalities in injuries

on workers in South Australian forests and make recommendations on potential areas that are in

existence to ensure safety of loggers.

Research Methodology and Data Sources

The main source of data for this report was from workers compensation records from carriers of

insurance in the South-Eastern region of South Australia. The only limitation was the

confidentiality; it was closely-guarded and proprietary. Accident report samples for which

analysis was done were selected at random from a demographic of claims for the 2005-06 period

from K & G Wright Pty Ltd. The other relevant source for the study was on the content

information in the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) report on

injuries that are related to work in the industries of Agriculture, forestry and fishing statistical

data for the period 2005-06, compiled by the National Data Set for Compensation Based

Statistics (NDS). The primary data type was from the accident forms relating to the accidents

nature; they contained data on the employee injured, the employer, where, how and when the

injury took place, while the secondary one was from the demographic summary of the host

company, i.e. K & G Wright Pty Ltd- such as employee numbers, equipment spread and how far

the logging operations were mechanized.

Summary of findings

The findings from the report were that workers in the fishing, agriculture and forestry industry

had 109 per 1000 worker injuries in the 2005-06 period, a figure that was higher than other

industry workers in Australia by 60 percent. Also, one in every five employees injured in the

3
agriculture, fishing and forestry industry made an application for a workers compensation, and

one out of three who failed to apply for the package did so due to the thought that they failed to

qualify for compensation. As per the report, the commonest injury was a sprain in one out of

three injuries; the main causative was either being hit or cut, or as a result of pulling, pushing or

lifting an object. Strains constituted 32% of all the injuries compared to all the other types (Open

wounds and cuts- 18%, chronic conditions of joints and/or muscles- 17%, injuries that are

superficial- 10%).

Introduction

Throughout the world, there are high rates of injury on workers in the industry majoring in

forests in comparison to the other industries. In South Australia, it isnt any different; between

the years 1989 and 1992, 97 out of 100,000 deaths were recorded, a figure that is 17 times more

than the average death rate in all the other Australian industries (NOHSC, 1999). In timber

harvesting, the commonest incidences are those out of injury and fatality- in tree felling.

Occupational health and safety workers cite a number of factors which contribute towards

overall performance in safety of an industry. As far as forestry is concerned, the features of the

forest, industry requirements, climate, the skills possessed by a worker and technologies used all

factor in. With changes in technology in tree felling, South Australia has seen the development

and use of mechanized systems for timber harvesting; use of chainsaws, trucks and bulldozers in

forest work. These came along with health and safety challenges.

Timber logging at K & G Wright Proprietary Limited, South Australia

One of the companies present, K & G Wright Pty Limited, is a privately-owned company in

South Australia, which offers services in logging to its clients; its listing is under logging of

4
timber and provision of sawmills, activities of which are under forestry. It is located in Mount

Gambier, South Australia. Logging, or the harvesting of timber, takes place in a number of steps,

beginning with tree felling up to the transportation of the output (logs) by use of the available

means to a sawmill. In the first procedural step, that is felling the tree, lots of risk factors come

into play. The use of the chainsaw in felling has proved dangerous due to the incidents that have

been reported to the K & G Wright Pty management.

Instances of Strains and sprains at the Proprietary

Fellers of trees sustained sprain-related injuries to both the shoulder and the back, incidences of

trip or slip when the workers were walking in between trees or over the stamp cut-over and

fractures to body parts such as the thigh, knees and legs. The major causatives were strikes by

spars and broken branches that got dislodged by cutting down of the key tree. Upon

investigations into the cases, the findings were that the fellers had not done adequate bush

clearing (lack of adequate vegetation clearing from around the subject tree. In one instance, a

tree feller using a chainsaw sustained fractures to the back and cheekbone while beneath a tree,

working, because of the trees position that was hung-up. The tree fell on him. The worker

lacked knowledge on the safety measures to undertake in case of a tree left hung-up, which

shows a slack on the part of management in adequate training as well as handling skills. In

summary, strains and injuries due to sprains, account for the highest number of injuries in this

industry in South Australia. These sprains come about due to improper postures adopted during

activities of tree felling and also sawmilling where the work processes are characterized by

repetition of physical activities over a long period of time. In extreme cases, these postures can

lead to falls, causing serious dislocations and fractures.

5
Health effects of Sprains and Strains as the major hazard at K & G Wright Pty Ltd

Sprains have adverse effects on body parts, notably the muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves and

joints. Sprains, generally classified under the Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSIs), can impact

negatively on ones ability in performing tasks both at home and at work. MSI signs and

symptoms can sometimes develop into health conditions like strains on the muscles in the

shoulders, neck, back and legs, swelling of the tendons and numbness due to the gradual damage

caused to the various parts.

Legal Requirements on Hazard identification and recommended controls

Identification and recognition of the contributing factors to an MSI risk is paramount for both the

employer and the worker. Although it is not always possible for the employees to identify these

factors in their jobs, it is always recommended and crucial for the worker(s) to take note of

instances when they find themselves susceptible. There are four major factors, viz repetition,

force, the posture adopted during work and repetition. With respect to the aforementioned

factors, the parties concerned have to factor in the duration and magnitude. Its up to the

employer to ensure complete safety of the worker by taking the required measures in

safeguarding workers against sprains. Fortunately to date, management in South Australias

forestry industry, and in particular K & G Wright Proprietary, is taking that into consideration by

involving the worker through consultations and regular feedback on work practices, in

accordance to the law on Occupational Health and Safety ( The Occupational Health, Safety and

Welfare Act, 1986).

6
Safety Culture at K & G Wright Proprietary Limited

K & G Wright Proprietarys management employs the use of records on claims experience by

injured workers as an instruction manual for the development of programs targeting mitigation

and control of loss by injury, as well as in-house programs for training. However, the one major

drawback to the welfare of the workers at K & G Wright Proprietary is the attitude that they have

towards injury from sprains; they view sprains as normal in their lives at work. In reference to a

survey done on South Australian proprietary companies, the workers failed to report their

injuries because they deemed the injuries as unremarkable. Workers cited non-eligibility for

compensation as the main factor behind it. In Australia, non-employees have no entitlement to

worker compensation, and also the fact that half of all the workers in the forestry industry are

own workers, hence limited to compensation benefits. Lack of claims for compensation is thus

common in these Proprietary companies as a result, something which worries their employers

over the workers, despite their ignorant behaviors. To solve this problem, the employers hold

sensitization meetings with the workers for information on their rights and privileges, according

to The Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act, 1986. The employers do encourage worker

input on their views, as well as enforcing proper techniques of work and furnishing them with

training and guidelines on using equipment and practices of work, in order to avoid future

occurrences of injury.

Conclusions and Recommendations

South Australias fishing, forestry and agriculture industry has the biggest percentage of workers

on own account and employers in comparison to all the other industries, workers of whom have

no entitlement to a worker compensation. Also, it is in the same industry that older workers

7
constitute a bigger percentage compared to the workforce in Australia as a whole.

The Agriculture, fishing and forestry industries, and K & G Wright Proprietary Ltd, have

workers who are not yet acquainted with their rights; with regard to compensation of workers,

employees have the highest occurrence of injury as compared to workers on own account.

According to the South Australian legislation, employees have an entitlement to a workers

compensation, unlike those on own account, who arent entitled.

Due to lack of information on the basic rights and privileges of these employees, a small number

of these workers claims compensation; most of the workers are of own account and do not

qualify for the compensation; they dismiss injury as minor or unnecessary.

There has been a growing concern in Occupational health and safety in forestry work, with

incidences of serious injury and death at the highest percentage rate compared to other industries

in Australia. Injuries in the workplace not only cause suffering and possible illness on a long-

term basis on the worker/employee, but they also cost the worker in terms of medical expenses

not being compensated and loss in earnings, both current and future on the victim and their

career. Employees face more severe consequences, like a shutdown of their facility during

investigation, costing them negative output and productivity plus potential output losses in the

long run. Other costs include legal, worker replacement, penalties and fines that follow

prosecution. Much of the costs incurred are borne by the workers (Australian Safety and

Compensation Council, 2009). This calls for sensitization by all the parties involved on the

dangers of workplace hazards through implementation of programs that aim at injury and fatality

reduction, and proper enforcement of the law by state authorities in accordance to State

legislation. Also, a continuous review of the standards of occupational health and safety, tools,

8
guidelines and information is important for the purposes of clarity, simplicity and availability to

all the stakeholders in the forestry industry/sector, as well as knowledge building.

9
 References

Safe Work Australia, 2009. Work-related Injuries in Australia, 2005-06: Agriculture, forestry
and fishing Industry (pdf) Available at:
<http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/AboutSafeWorkAustralia/WhatWeDo/Publication
s/Pages/SR200910WRIAgricultureForestryAndFishing2005To2006.aspx> [Accessed 5th
October, 2011].
SafeWork SA, 2006. Workplace Health and Safety Handbook (pdf) Available at:
< www.safework.sa.gov.au/uploaded_files/hsr_handbook.pdf> [Accessed 5th October,
2011].

WorkSafe BC, 2008. Understanding the Risks of Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSI): An educational
guide for workers on Sprains, strains, and other MSIs (pdf) Available at:
<http://www.worksafebc.com/publications/health_and_safety/by_topic/assets/pdf/msi_
workers.pdf> [Accessed 4th October, 2011].

McCormack, R. 2002. Safety and occupational health in forestry operations in Australia-

Changes in approach through time. (Online) Available at:
< http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/005/AC805E/ac805e0m.htm#bm22> [Accessed 4th
October, 2011].

Health Safety Executive (HSE), 2003. Tree work Accidents: An analysis of fatal and serious
injuries (pdf) Available at: <http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg278.pdf> [Accessed on 3rd
October, 2011].

WorkSafe Victoria, 2011. About the forestry industry. (Online) Available at:
<http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/wsinternet/WorkSafe/Home/Safety
and+Prevention/Your+Industry/Forestry/About+the+industry> [Accessed 4th October,
2011].

VirginiaTech, 2007. Timber harvesting (Logging) Machines and Systems. (Online) Available at:
<http://cnre.vt.edu/harvestingsystems/index.htm> [Accessed 5th October, 2011].

NOHSC, 1999. Work-related traumatic fatalities involving timber activities in Australia, 1989 to
1992. (pdf) Sydney: NOHSC. Available at:
<http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/ABOUTSAFEWORKAUSTRALIA/WHATWE
O/PUBLICATIONS/Pages/ACSR199905TraumaticFatalitiesInvolvingTimberActivites1
89To1992.pdf> [Accessed 5th October, 2011].

Hull, D. & Read, V., 2001. Building a Champion Team- 15 Key drivers for Excellence. (pdf)
Available at: < http://www.gpa.net.au/files/onlineplus/GPA%20ONLINE%20plus%20
%20Building%20a%20Champion%20Team.pdf> [Accessed 7th October, 2011].

10
Archer, R., Borthwick, K., & Tepe, S., 2009. OH&S A management guide, 2nd ed. Victoria:
Cengage Learning.

WorkCover, Victoria. 2000. SafetyMAP: Auditing health and safety management systems, 3rd
ed. Melbourne: Victorian WorkCover Authority.

Geeves, R., Rigby, P. & John, P.C. 1995. Forest industry occupational health and safety
information book. Tasmania: Workplace Standards.

Henderson, M.E., 1990. Felling Australian hardwoods an ergonomic study of a high-risk

occupation. Ph.D. Latrobe University.

Primary Industries and Resources, SA. 2006. Forestry Matters Factsheet- Forests in SA. (pdf)
Available at:
<http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/79825/Forestry_Matters_
_Fact_sheet_-_Forests_in_SA.pdf> [Accessed 7th October, 2011].

SafeWork Australia, 2011. National OHS Strategy 2002-2012: Priority Industries. (pdf)
Available at:
<http://safeworkaustralia.gov.au/AboutSafeWorkAustralia/WhatWeDo/Publications/Page
s/SR200PriorityIndustries.aspx> [Accessed 7th October, 2011].

IBIS World, 2011. Logging in Australia: Market research report. (online) Available at:
< http://www.ibisworld.com.au/industry/default.aspx?indid=43> [Accessed 3rd October,
2011].

Maher, D., McCaw, L. & Yates, C. 2010. Vulnerability of forests in South West-Western
Australia to Timber Harvesting under the influence of Climate change. (pdf) Available
at:
<http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:KMZ5Vo0o718J:www.dec.wa.gov.au/ind
ex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_docman%26task%3Ddoc_download%26gid%3D5044%26It
emid%3D+Timber+harvesting+in+South+Australia&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgw
1iht_5ymQM2MhJnwUEEdk4UsxZODgoqEaOJjA-
IA6UkMNhHgV92BCmIDWC8_hE0Vq_NrUdMZg0d2pRdcqsriv97T5-
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11
 Appendices

List of Tables and Figures

Figure 1: Agriculture, forestry & shing: Incidence rate of serious injury

Figure 2: Work-related injuries in the Agriculture, forestry and shing industry: Percentage by
type of injury

12
Figure 3: Workers in the Agriculture, forestry and shing industry: Number by age and
employment status

13
Table 1: General Workplace Inspection Checklist

14