Summary
This programme investigates areas relevant across a wide range of forest operations: steep ground working, ergonomicis and health and safety issues, precision forestry and knowledge transfer:
- Provide best practice guidance to prevent and minimise risks to forestry operators
- Support and inform the development of health and safety guidance and standards for the industry
- Support and inform the deployment of new methods and technologies to improve the efficiency of forest opertions.
Research objectives
The main research objectives are to:
- Develop and promote safe and efficient working methods and technology
- Assist the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) by providing information and data on forestry machinery use
- Provide best practice guidance regarding pesticide storage and handling systems
- Share and promote knowledge in partnership with other EU countries.
Funders and partners
This research is funded primarily by the Forestry Commission Sustainable Management Programme Advisory Group and is performed by Forest Research Technical Development.
Technical Development works in partnership with the HSE and ISO Committees.
Forestry Commission policy
One objective of the Forestry Commission is to support the Government's policy of sustainable forest management.
Sustainable systems should not be harmful to the operators’ health. Work in this programme area will improve working environments and health management systems for operators.
Publications
Integrated management publications
Status
Ongoing work includes:
- Health and performance for mechanised forestry operations (COMFOR project)
- Whole body vibration
- The development of ISO safety standards
- Safety recommendations for the use of pesticides
- Work on steep ground
- Assessment of remote sensing tools for application forestry.
Contacts
- Pesticides: Bill J Jones
- Integrated management topics: Colin Saunders
