Safety is the top priority of all logging crews. John Deere assists us in keeping the logging site safe.
John Deere, in the Winter 2016 issue of The Landing, gives five key areas that logging firms should focus on to ensure that safety becomes a way of life on the logging side:
- Creating a culture of safety: A broad area that covers always wearing the appropriate PPE, knowing where to find emergency items such as fire extinguishers and first aid, and understanding jobsite rules and regulations specific to each machine and according to the work environment and location.
- Know your machine: The operator’s manual should be read, with the operating and maintenance instructions understood before the machine is even started. The controls should be well understood, no unauthorised people should operate the machine and the machine should be inspected according to protocol before operation.
- Reduce the risk of fire: Fuels should be handled away from fire hazards. Machine cleanliness is critical to reduce flammable material from building up. Hoses and wiring should be well maintained and replaced if necessary. Multipurpose fire extinguishers should always be kept on or near the machine, and personnel must know how to use them.
- Be aware of work-site hazards and know what to do: The specific risks of each work-site should be known. Other people should be kept way from the machine while it is operating.
- Use other available resources: Besides the operator’s manual, other safety resources should be used to train operators. These include specialist training organisations, manufacturer training and simulators.