FISA Guidance on Managing Health and Safety in Forestry

The refreshed 2019 FISA Guidance on Managing Health & Safety in Forestry (GMHSF), is now available to the UK forestry industry.

This core guidance informs all those working in the timber supply chain and their stakeholders, by clearly setting out your roles and responsibilities.   At the heart of the 2019 revision is the recognition of the requirement for competence in all roles, from landowner/agent, Forest Works Manager, Contractor (inc' hauliers and supporting trades), Sub-contractor and Workers. The guide is clearly split into these sections with a main introduction applicable for all roles.

Developing competence and maintaining it, is the key safety challenge faced by the forestry industry. The recognition of this challenge lies at the heart of FISA's priorities, as its aim is to eliminate death and injury from the timber supply chain. Fatal injuries to chainsaw users remain FISA's members principle concern and all parts of the industry have a role to play.  

After two years considered and thorough review, with the assistance of the HSE, it is hoped GMHSF will remain fit for puorpose for a further five years. Forming a foundation for FISA's members efforts to engage and communicate better ways of working and managing risk.