The Log Haulage Manual supports the specific skills required to transport harvested timber safely. It describes safety standards and best practice for load restraint, loading and unloading trucks, and transporting forestry logs and produce. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is in the process of developing a new Forestry Log Haulage – Industry Code of Practice, meaning the current Log Haulage Manual will need to be revised, as it no longer holds currency.

Led by industry, ForestWorks is reviewing and updating the Log Haulage Manual and producing some short educational videos to support some of the important safety practices outlined in the code. These resources are being created for industry, by industry, to make workplaces safer.

Register your interest

To keep informed about project updates and opportunities to provide input and feedback, please email forestworks@forestworks.com.au
and provide your name, organisation and state/region where you are based.

The Forestry Log Haulage Registered Code of Practice (known as the Log Haulage Code) is being prepared in accordance with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) guidelines established under section 705 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). It is a Registered Industry Code of Practice (RICP) approved for Registration by the NHVR under section 706 of the HVNL. The revision and update of the ForestWorks Log Haulage Manual will map to this Forestry Log Haulage Registered Code of Practice. ForestWorks is also developing a suite of educational online resources to compliment the revised Log Haulage manual.

Funding for this project has been made available as part of the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HSVI), supported by the Australian Government.

Opportunity to provide feedback on current Log Haulage Manual

The current Log Haulage Manual, published in 2014, is widely respected. We welcome stakeholder feedback on the manual, including suggestions on content that needs updating, potential new content, and other ideas for improvement. A Word document version of the current manual can be accessed below. You are welcome to use the track changes or comments function to record specific feedback.

Please fill out the feedback form to provide input on the manual. You can email feedback to forestworks@forestworks.com.au or call Paul Cavicchia at ForestWorks on 03 9321 3500 or 1800 177 001.

Privacy and Confidentiality: Any comments or feedback you provide and any personal details you share will not be publicly disclosed. Only ForestWorks and Skills Impact staff and contractors will have direct access to your comments and personal information. As part of the project process, your name, organisation and location may be shared with the Project Steering Committee, Subject Matter Expert Working Group, and/or funding organisations. If you have any concerns about this, please contact the project manager forestworks@forestworks.com.au

Project Team

Paul Cavicchia
Project Manager, ForestWorks
pcavicchia@forestworks.com.au

Amanda Bell
Forest Industry Safety Manager, Australian Forest Products Association
amanda.bell@ausfpa.com.au

Tim Lester
General Manager, Australian Forest Contractors Association
tim@afca.asn.au

Timeline

February – March 2023
• Scoping and planning

April – July 2023
• Development of draft video scripts and story boards
• Development of first draft of revised Log Haulage Manual

July – August 2023
• Draft manual, scripts and storyboards available for feedback

November 2023
• Second draft of revised Log Haulage Manual available for feedback
• Filming of videos

December 2023 – March 2024
• Finalisation of videos and revised Log Haulage Manual

April 2024
• Release of videos and revised Log Haulage Manual

Subject Matter Expert Working Group

A SMEWG is being formed to provide technical expertise throughout the project. SMEs will help draft the revised manual and create the content for the videos. The group’s expertise covers the following sectors:
• growing and roading
• harvesting and haulage
• processors (sawmill, chipping, pulp and paper)
• trailer and load handling and restraint manufacturers/suppliers
• education and training (RTOs).

We are seeking additional SMEs, especially those with experience in education and training, or trailer and load handling and restraint manufacturing/supply. If you are interested in volunteering as an SME and would like more information, please contact Paul Cavicchia by 5 June 2023 by emailing pcavicchia@forestworks.com.au or by calling 03 9321 3500 or 1800 177 00.

Stakeholder Consultation Process

Stakeholder input is appreciated throughout the duration of this project. The videos and revised manual will be developed in consultation with SMEs and their networks. Opportunities for the broader industry to provide feedback will occur when the first draft materials are made available between July and August 2023, and again for the second draft of the manual during November 2023. If you are involved in this industry sector, ForestWorks would appreciate your input and help. Please feel free to register your interest for project updates and consultation opportunities by emailing pcavicchia@forestworks.com.au. Alternatively, you can telephone Paul Cavicchia at ForestWorks on 03 9321 3500 or 1800 177 001.

A list of key stakeholder organisations has been identified for this project based on their industry role, size or specialty. ForestWorks will ensure contact is made with each of these organisations to seek their involvement and views on the manual and videos. Consultation is not limited to the organisations on this list, they have simply been identified as the most likely to have a key interest in the development and outcomes of this project.

If you are aware of an organisation you believe should be involved, please contact the project team to ensure they are contacted by us.