Purpose
This project aimed to review and evaluate industry concerns about cabin protection in mobile forestry machines and develop a best practice guide for protective guarding.
Summary
This project aimed to improve safety for operators of mobile forestry machines in Australia by developing best practice guidelines for protective guarding. The researchers reviewed national and international standards, analysed incident reports, and consulted with industry experts to identify key risks and solutions for cabin protection. They created a comprehensive guide to help the forest industry select, modify, and/or purchase cabin protection equipment, such as rollover, falling object, and operator protective structures. The guidelines addressed the need for consistent safety measures across different types of machinery and operating conditions. The project also emphasised the importance of regular training for operators and ongoing updates to the guidelines based on future incidents.
Benefits to the Forest and Wood Products Industry
The project provides the forestry industry with clear, standardised guidelines for protective guarding, which can improve operator safety and reduce the risk of injuries. It enables companies to make better decisions when selecting and modifying equipment, ensuring compliance with safety standards. The guidelines also encourage ongoing industry collaboration and continuous improvement in workplace safety practices.
Acknowledgement
This work was supported by funding provided to Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) to administer the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation program (NIFPI).
Funding for the program was provided by the Australian Government, the South Australian Government and Australian forest and wood products industry.
