New Log Haulage Code focuses on promoting safety

The Australian Forest Contractors Association has welcomed the release of the Log Haulage Code of Practice, developed through a lengthy engagement process with industry.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator developed the Code to assist industry to ensure safety in the transportation of logs and meet the requirements of the National Heavy Vehicle Law.

“Safety is the number priority for all of us in the timber industry. Having this Code to provide guidance for everyone within the Chain of Responsibility is a practical development in a complex operating and legal environment,” AFCA CEO Tim Lester said today. 

“Importantly, the Log Haulage Code is not a compliance document, and it does not create any new obligations. It does step through the stages of log haulage operations to describe key risks that may need to be addressed and propose steps that businesses could take in response depending on their role in the chain.

AFCA worked with the NHVR and other industry partners to make sure the contents of the Code were relevant to industry and the advice it provides is practical. There are considerations at every stage of log haulage activities, from contracting and scheduling, route planning and navigating forestry and public roads, through to receival and delivery.

By working together we can make sure we protect drivers, other road users, trucks and loads to make sure haulage is both safe and efficient and so everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.

“Our thanks to all AFCA members who provided input and guidance for the development of the Code. We will continue to work with NHVR and forest services business to increase awareness of the Code and opportunities to mitigate and address risks,” Tim Lester concluded.

The Log Haulage Code can be downloaded from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

Source: Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA)