ForestWorks is pleased to announce the completion of the new Log Haulage Manual for the Forestry Log Haulage Code of Practice and a companion suite of educational training videos. These resources provide concise, practical guidance to support safer log transport and will be made available shortly through the ForestWorks website.
What has been delivered?
Log Haulage Manual for the Code of Practice
A clear, practical reference for drivers, contractors, supervisors and managers involved in hauling logs. The manual explains how safety duties under the Heavy Vehicle National Law and Workplace Health and Safety legislation apply to everyday forestry operations. It focuses on the areas that matter most to risk reduction, including load restraint, vehicle condition, forest road driving, site communication, and worker fitness for duty.
Three educational training videos
- Load and Secure Logs
Demonstrates effective load preparation and restraint, including headboards and tailboards, stanchions and bolsters, lashing systems, and verification checks before and during a journey.
- Driving Safely on Forestry Roads
Covers route assessment, speed selection, rollover risk, use of safety systems, radio communication, and the additional care needed where surfaces are uneven or visibility changes quickly.
- WHS for Forestry Log Haulage Drivers
Addresses safe access and egress, manual handling, fatigue and distraction awareness, personal protective equipment, and reporting procedures for hazards and near misses.
Together, the manual and videos provide an integrated toolkit that can be used in inductions, toolbox talks, on-the-job coaching, and formal training programs delivered by Registered Training Organisations. The content is concise and easy to navigate, with a focus on practical actions that improve safety and compliance.
Why these resources matter
Log transport presents unique risks due to dynamic loads, variable road surfaces, and multi-party supply chains. Clear, accessible guidance helps drivers and businesses make better decisions before loading begins and while traveling to mills or receiving sites. The new manual is designed to be a quick reference that teams can keep close at hand, while the videos bring key ideas to life with practical demonstrations and scenarios that reflect real operations.
Developed with industry and the regulator
ForestWorks acknowledges the valued contribution of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator through the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative. The project was shaped by a Project Steering Committee, a Subject Matter Expert Working Group, and comprehensive consultation with industry associations, contractors, transport operators, and training providers. This collaboration has ensured that the guidance is technically sound, aligns with current expectations, and is workable for the people who use it in the field every day.
What will be available on the ForestWorks website
- A downloadable PDF of the Log Haulage Manual for the Code of Practice.
- Streaming access to all three educational videos, suitable for toolbox sessions or classroom delivery
- A recording from the recent finalisation webinar so stakeholders who missed the session can access the walk-through of the updated materials and the design decisions that shaped the final version
How businesses can use the materials
- Integrate into inductions so new drivers and yard personnel receive the same standard of instruction across sites and shifts.
- Refresh existing procedures by mapping local work instructions to the manual’s sections, then confirming that risk controls and checks are clear and workable.
- Deliver toolbox talks using the short video chapters, followed by on-site demonstrations and routine checks on vehicles and equipment.
- Support RTO delivery by aligning training and assessment with the topics covered in the manual and videos, and by setting consistent expectations for on-road and on-site conduct.
Acknowledgements
ForestWorks thanks the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator for funding support and technical guidance, members of the Project Steering Committee for oversight and direction, and the Subject Matter Expert Working Group for their detailed input and validation. We also thank the many contractors, transport operators and Registered Training Organisations who contributed examples, reviewed drafts, and helped test the clarity and usability of the final materials.
Contact
For questions about the manual, training videos, or suggested use in inductions and refresher training, please contact the ForestWorks project team. To receive a notification when the resources go live, subscribe to the ForestWorks newsletter or follow our official LinkedIn page.