A NEW online resource for the forestry sector offers prospective timber drivers an insight into work in forest conditions.

The Forest Haulage Induction Video – which can be viewed at https://ukfisa.com/Safety/Safety-Library/forest-haulage-induction-video – was produced by the Forest Industry Safety Accord.

As the haulage industry currently works through some well documented driver challenges, this is aimed at new entrants who have HGV experience, but who have may not have previously driven in forest conditions. As well as the obvious timber trucks, this also covers drivers of fuel tankers, low loaders and other materials deliveries.

It is hoped that haulage companies will use this easily accessed online tool as part of the induction process for new entrants to driving jobs in the sector.

Chair of the FISA Forest Haulage working group, Neil Stoddart, said: “Driving an HGV in the forest presents many additional challenges compared to highway work. This video provides an efficient induction covering some of these key factors.

"This type of training can save time, reduce employee turnover and ensures operational efficiency while at the same time providing the new start with baseline safety critical information, hopefully making them feel valued and helping them establish good communication with their employer and foresters alike."

The Forest Industry Safety Accord was established in 2012 when representatives of the Forest industries leading organisations came together to set out the Accord which underlines a commitment from the sector to raise the standard of health and safety in the forestry workplace: www.ukfisa.com

As timber production increases, we need to ensure that the UK Forest haulage fleet is safe and efficient. This covers round timber, aggregate, machine and general deliveries within the forest environment. All stakeholders should be aware of the need for appropriate minimum standards in HGV equipment, load security as well as forest roading and access. The transportation of timber to market is a critical part of this low carbon green economy supply chain. FISA provide a link between the industry and key vehicle and component manufacturers, ensuring updates on safety innovation is communicated in both directions.