Forestry roads to become safer

A new agreement between WorkSafe and Forest360 means forestry roads nationwide are set to become safer.

In response to a death on one of its sites, Forest360 has agreed to fund a range of actions.

59-year-old Greg Stevens was killed when his logging truck and trailer rolled while negotiating a tight bend on a Coromandel forestry road in May 2023.

WorkSafe’s investigation found the design, maintenance, and risk assessment of the road by Forest360 was inadequate.

Forest360 is funding research to develop a method for assessing forestry road safety and sponsoring software to help forest owners and operators identify unsafe road conditions.

They will also promote the software and share insights with the forestry sector at conferences and through the Forest Industry Safety Council.

Additionally, they will donate to education programmes through Discover Forestry and Wāhine in Forestry, and provide support to Greg Stevens’ widow.

The over $400,000 investment comprises these actions. It’s part of the company’s funded response, a binding commitment, known as an enforceable undertaking, which WorkSafe has accepted.

“Many forestry roads in New Zealand are old and potentially unsafe, having been built decades ago to outdated engineering standards,” says WorkSafe’s Head of Regulatory Services, Tracey Conlon.

“The software development has the potential to transform how forestry roads are assessed for safety.

“By making cutting-edge technology accessible across the industry, Forest360’s initiatives could significantly reduce risk and save lives.”

Forestry is a priority for WorkSafe as it had the highest fatality rate of any sector in 2024.

WorkSafe’s role is to encourage businesses to fulfil their obligations to maintain the health and safety of their employees and the public.

This is the first time WorkSafe has accepted such a commitment from the forestry sector.

Enforceable undertakings are a means by which WorkSafe can hold businesses accountable for health and safety breaches.

They monitor progress on the agreed commitments and can seek a court order if they are not upheld.

Two other businesses remain before the court in relation to the death of Gregory Albert Stevens.

Forest360’s managing director Dan Gaddum says, “Forest360 deeply regrets the tragic loss of a logging truck driver employed by one of our subcontractors, who was fatally injured while operating on a forestry road under our control.

“Our thoughts remain with his family, colleagues, and community.”