New Log Haulage Industry code of practice seeks to ensure safer operations in the logging sector

New Log Haulage Industry Code Strengthens Safety Standards for the Logging Sector

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has released a new Code of Practice designed to help operators lift safety management outcomes across log transportation.

The newly introduced Log Haulage Industry Code of Practice (LHC) offers a practical safety management framework for businesses participating at every level of forest log haulage operations.

A Practical Guide Built Through Industry Collaboration

According to Kelli Walker, Acting Chief Safety and Productivity Officer at NHVR, the LHC delivers a practical safety management guide for those working in the forestry sector, following several years of development.

"We're extremely pleased to release the LHC after working closely with the Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA) and the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA)," Ms Walker said.

"These associations, along with industry representatives, stakeholders and vehicle and equipment manufacturers, helped to recognise key safety issues in log haulage, such as the risk of vehicle rollover, and load loss."

"This new Code strikes a balance between detailed safety management recommendations and practical information, to help an industry which operates in many different environments, with different kinds of products."

Why Safety Management Matters in Log Transportation

Forest log haulage presents unique hazards not commonly found in general heavy vehicle transport. Rollover risk, uneven terrain, and variable load configurations demand robust safety management practices tailored specifically to forestry contractors and their crews.

Effective safety management within this code addresses:

• Vehicle rollover prevention through improved loading and driving practices
• Load restraint hazards common to irregular timber shapes and sizes
• Coordination between transport operators, contractors, and forest site managers
• Consistent safety management standards across diverse operating environments

Businesses seeking to strengthen their broader workplace safety management systems may also find value in reviewing the Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice, which addresses hazards relevant to plant and equipment used in forestry and transport operations.

Related Industry Codes Supporting Transport Safety

The LHC follows a similar pattern to other sector-specific codes developed by NHVR. The Wine Industry Code of Practice was introduced to enhance safety management within wine and grape transportation, reflecting a broader national push toward tailored safety management standards for sectors with distinct transport hazards.

Feedback gathered during development of the proposed Wine Industry Code of Practice helped inform consultation approaches used for the LHC, demonstrating how cross-sector safety management learnings continue shaping national transport policy.

Supporting Documentation for Safety Management Compliance

Forestry contractors and transport operators looking to build compliant safety management documentation may benefit from reviewing related resources, including the Silica Dust Code of Practice, which outlines hazard management principles applicable across multiple heavy industry settings.

Additional details on the Log Haulage Industry Code of Practice can be found here.