- TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - 04/Aug 00:11

NZ Approved Code of Practice launch in late August

After months of collaboration and input from forest owners, contractors and forest industry leaders, the revised Forestry Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) will be formally launched on Tuesday 26 August in Palmerston North. Source: Timberbiz The new ACOP has been significantly updated from the 2012 version to align with the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA), shifting from a prescriptive rule-based format to a risk-based approach. It also clarifies how safety responsibilities are shared across the sector using familiar Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) concepts. The launch event, a Spotlight on Safety, can be attended by anyonein the forest growing industry; especially contractors, forest owners and managers and industry stakeholders involved in safety, training and operational leadership. Forest owners are also encouraged to invite their harvesting and silviculture crews. The ACOP launch marks an important milestone in forestry’s health and safety journey. Input from those working on the ground and dealing with these challenges every day will be vital for its success. What to expect: Official launch of the revised Forestry Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) – 3pm Keynote address from Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden Launch of the new Best Practice Guidelines for Health and Safety in Small Forests Introduction of the concept of a Forest Industry Health & Safety Charter Networking event The event will be held on Tuesday 26 August from 3pm to 4pm at the Orlando Country Club in Newbury, Palmerston North and it will be followed by a networking event from 4pm to 6pm. You must register with the FICA to attend. The event is a collaborative effort delivered by the Forest Industry Safety Council, Forest Industry Contractors Association, the NZFOA, the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association and WorkSafe.