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Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge the considerable help, input and expertise that we received from so many members of the forest industry including:
- contractors and workers
- Forestry Industry Safety Council (FISC)
- Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA)
- Forest Owners Association (FOA).
We would also like to acknowledge the kaimahi who gave so generously of their knowledge and time.
Notice of approval
WorkSafe New Zealand leads the national effort to improve health and safety at work in New Zealand, aiming to lower the high number of work-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses. One of its main focus areas is the forestry industry.
The code of practice for Safety practice in forestry and harvesting operations outlines what WorkSafe expects when it comes to identifying and managing health and safety risks related to forestry operations.
This code is designed to help businesses and workers meet their legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and its associated regulations.
WorkSafe worked closely with people such as forestry sector leaders, industry organisations, worker groups, and key partners like the Council of Trade Unions and Business New Zealand to develop this code.
As such, I, Brooke van Velden, confirm that the required consultation process under section 222(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 has been met and:
- I approve the code of practice for Safety practice in forestry and harvesting operations under section 222 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
- I approve the revocation of the approved code of practice for Safety and health in forest operations under section 222 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
- I approve the revocation of the approved code of practice for Safety and health in forest operations – roles and responsibilities of principals and contractors under section 222 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Hon Brooke Van Velden
Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety
28 July 2025
Foreword
It gives me much pleasure to introduce this approved code of practice (ACOP).
The Safe practice for forestry and harvesting operations ACOP provides guidance on the many aspects of health and safety in modern forestry.
Forestry has a proud and long history in this country. It has changed and developed, particularly in the last decade, with the mechanisation of many operations. Despite this the forestry sector has remained stubbornly high in the statistics. Between 2004 and 2014, 49 people were killed in forestry. Between 2015 and 2024 there were still, tragically, 40 people killed. As it stands today, forestry has a fatality rate 20 times higher than the average for any other industry.
Neither the forestry industry nor WorkSafe New Zealand want this. The revision of this ACOP is a step towards improving those statistics and ensuring that kaimahi/workers and others have the highest level of protection against harm to their health and safety.
I would like to thank all in the forestry industry who have contributed their time and expertise in producing this ACOP. A lot of hard work has gone into it, from everybody.
If it helps forestry kaimahi/workers return home safely each day, the effort will be well worth it.
Thank you.
Jennifer Kerr
Chair
1 July 2025
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