Forestry
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Featured in forestry
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![[image] Slope felled trees](/assets/element/cards/slope-felled-trees-540x270.jpg)
Approved code of practice (ACOP) for forestry operations
This ACOP sets out our expectations for managing health and safety risks in forestry and harvesting operations in a healthy and safe way.
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![[image] View over forest - forestry](/assets/Tile/WKS-Old-DL140310ws-141-TP.jpg)
Learning modules: Safe practice for forestry and harvesting operations ACOP
Complete these learning modules to get an introduction to the Safe practice for forestry and harvesting operations ACOP.
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![[image] Forest360 truck crash](/assets/element/cards/image-forest360-mr-november-2025-540x270.jpg)
Tech solution for forestry road safety
Forestry roads nationwide are set to become safer, thanks to a new agreement with one of the country’s largest forest management companies.
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About the forestry sector
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Fewer than 10,000
people work in forestry
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4 to 5 deaths
per year over the past 15 years
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15x higher
fatality rate than the average across all sectors
Forestry is a small sub-sector with very high rates of serious acute harm associated with tree felling. The fatality rate is about 15 times higher than the average for all industries.
Being hit by a tree or log is the most common cause of fatal incidents in forestry, and one of the most common causes across all workplaces in New Zealand.
Workers in forestry are often young, Māori, and from rural communities such as Te Tai Tokerau/Northland, Tairāwhiti/Gisborne, and the central North Island.
Download our forestry sector plan:
Health and safety in forestry
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Approved code of practice (ACOP) for forestry operations
This ACOP sets out our expectations for managing health and safety risks in forestry and harvesting operations in a healthy and safe way.
Read more
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Getting started with health and safety
Get a general introduction to health and safety at work.
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Health and safety when managing a small forest harvest
These updated good practice guidelines provide owners of small forests with practical guidance on health and safety when managing a harvest.
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How to manage work risks
The risks you need to identify, assess, and manage depend on the type of work you do.
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Overlapping duties
Businesses that work together will likely share health and safety duties in relation to the same matter. These are known as overlapping duties.
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Forestry guidance: Worker information sheets
Get quick-read information sheets if you work in forestry.
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Learning modules: Safe practice for forestry and harvesting operations ACOP
Complete these learning modules to get an introduction to the Safe practice for forestry and harvesting operations ACOP.
Read more
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Learning modules: Health and safety when managing a small forest harvest
These learning modules support the Health and safety when managing a small forest harvest good practice guidelines.
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Maintenance of trees around powerlines
This guidance describes recognised and preferred work practices for work on trees near power lines and sets out the minimum standards of safety and safe work methods.
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Key risks in forestry
Refer to the approved code of practice (ACOP) for forestry operations for information and guidance on managing key risks in the forestry sector. The ACOP covers:
- Part A: Managing health and safety through the contracting chain
- Part B: General requirements
- Part C: Site access and preparation of log landings
- Part D: Establishment and silviculture
- Part E: Mobile plant and harvesting
- Part F: Work on landings and loading and unloading log trucks
Other risks in forestry
Read supporting guidance and information that complements the ACOP for forestry operations.
Notifying WorkSafe
You must notify WorkSafe:
- when serious injuries, illnesses or incidents occur
- for specific kinds of scheduled or completed work. For example, logging or tree felling undertaken for commercial purposes
Apply for an authorisation, permit, or certification
Some kinds of forestry work require you to get a licence, permit, certificate, or authorisation before carrying out an activity.
Common aspects of forestry work that require licences or certification include:
- handling very hazardous substances (certified handlers).
Case study: Worker engagement in forestry
We talked to Kimberly Contractors, a log harvesting company in the Gisborne region, about what worker engagement means to them and treating workers like whānau.
![[image] Forestry - chainsaw logs](/assets/Tile/image-forestry-chainsaw-logs-tile.jpg)
Research and data
We produce data to assist businesses and organisations to manage work health and safety risks.
Read our research reports that look into different aspects of workplace health and safety.