THE Forest Industry Safety Accord has unveiled a new online resource for the timber transport sector – a Forest Haulage Induction Video.

As the haulage industry currently works through some well-documented driver challenges, this tool is aimed at new entrants who have HGV experience, but who may not have previously driven in forest conditions.

READ MORE: Neil Stoddart: "The haulage industry can be its own worst enemy"

As well as the obvious timber trucks, this also covers drivers of fuel tankers, low loaders and vehicles delivering other materials. It is hoped haulage companies will use this easily accessed online tool to make a meaningful impact on new entrants and use it as part of their induction process.

Neil Stoddart (Creel Consulting), chair of the FISA Forest Haulage Working Group, commented: “Driving an HGV in the forest presents many additional challenges compared to highway work. This video provides an efficient induction covering some of these key factors.

“This type of training can save time, reduce employee turnover and ensures operational efficiency while at the same time providing the new start with baseline safety critical information, hopefully making them feel valued and helping them establish good communication with their employers and foresters alike.”

The video can be viewed here.