Forestry Commission Trade Unions - www.fctu.org.uk
Health and Safety
Health and safety is an important part of the working lives of all FC employees and is taken equally seriously by both the Trade Unions and the Management. In this section of the website we will be hoping to keep all members informed on current health and safety issues and developments.
On the right is a link to the HSE's Arboricultural & Forestry Advisory Group (AFAG) from which you can access the AFAG guides as well as reports on health and safety issues within the Industry. There is also a link to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) from which you can get advice on health and safety law relating to both employers and employees as well as up to date news on legal developments (currently there is an update on progress with the Corporate manslaughter and Corporate homicide act 2007 on their website).
For further information on health and safety issues please speak to one of our health and safety coordinators listed on the right, or contact Robert Beaney.
Whole Body Vibration
by Robert Beaney. 17 Sept 2008
The FC has recently issued Operational Guidance Booklet (OGB) 39 on whole body vibration. This OGB gives guidance on the application of the new regulations to reduce exposure to WBV; these regulations now form part of the Health and Safety at work act and compliance will be monitored by the HSE.
The regulations will have a significant impact on machine operators within the FC and their working practices as they are designed to reduce exposure by limiting the actual time spent on the machine. However a key element of the new regulations refers to the working environment, this has to be well managed. Operators should make sure that their machines are well maintained at all times and all repairs are done as quickly as possible, things such as faulty seats can make a significant difference very quickly. It is also a priority that the site is managed in such a way as to minimise the need for working on steep and rough ground.
Lyme Disease
Over the last few weeks Robert Beaney and Allan MacKenzie have been working with colleagues from the FC's health and safety team to try and improve our awareness of the growing problem of Lyme Disease. A new guidance leaflet has now been produced and issued to all staff who work in areas where ticks are present: Lyme Disease Advice.