Abstract: The present working paper is
primarily intended for producer organizations, trade unions, vocational
training institutes, extensionists, instructors and relevant public bodies.The
document addresses the forest as a work place, safety culture, workplace
assessment, accident prevention and management, child labour, gender issues and
selected health and safety issues. Reliable statistics on accident and fatality
rates in forestry are missing, data available however indicates that forestry
is a high-risk occupation. Workplace conditions in forestry are a function of
site conditions, climate, weather, terrain and tree characteristics.
The fundamentals of accident prevention
are reduced hazard exposure and worker safety training. The first is achieved
through risk assessments to identify hazards. Workers should be prepared for
accidents at all times. Accident analysis is done to identify what occurred,
the causes of the accident and how similar accidents might be avoided in
future.
Child labour is a human-rights issue
and relevant to occupational safety and health. Reliable data on child labour
in forestry is almost completely absent. Women in forestry can be exposed more
often than men to musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory diseases and
reproductive disorders due to chemical exposure. Women generally have a working
capacity one-third lower than men. Heat stress occurs when the body is unable
to dissipate heat to its surroundings. Heat stroke is the most serious health
risk posed by heat stress. Risks and hazards associated with NWFPs derive from
activities like climbing, cutting with sharp tools, digging and gathering,
picking, and long and/or heavy manual transport.