The Health & Safety Executive points out in its sawmill guidance that the industry for many years had a poor safety record, with very high rates of fatal and major accidents (www.hse.gov.uk/woodworking/sawmills). Whilst the sector has much improved its health and safety record, sawmills remain generally high-risk businesses.
It is not just the more obvious safety concerns such as band saws, or timber stacking, but also the management of site transport activities. Heavy-moving vehicles, operating in high-noise areas remain a key risk for sawmill sites.
With health and safety regulations becoming increasingly comprehensive, 2023 will be a key year for sawmills to ensure that their employees are working in a safe environment. Whilst adherence to regulation and keeping employees safe are very obvious and important benefits of improving safety at sites, there are also a number of other key benefits. Working in a safe environment means employee morale increases and there is usually a resulting reduction in staff churn. Not only does improved safety help retain staff, but it improves your employer reputation, potentially helping to attract new employees.
A good example of a company in the timber sector making real improvements to its safety culture is Charles Ransford and Son. The Shropshire-based sawmiller decided to install a vehicle proximity system to enhance the safety for drivers and all those on site. With multiple vehicles operating across the site, reducing the risk of collision and pedestrian accidents was seen as a critical part of improving safety.
This is not just for the big wheel loaders and other Ransford vehicles that are constantly on site, but for delivery vehicles too. When delivery drivers enter the site, they are issued with a transponder (tag) whilst on the weighbridge. Importantly, any new drivers to the site are fully briefed on the tags, how they work and why they are so important.
As the delivery drivers proceed onto the site, the drivers of the loaders are aware of a new vehicle. The proximity warning system delivers a visual/audible alarm and flashing lights when a defined detection zone around the vehicle is breached. These alerts often occur before the other vehicle or person can be seen, drastically reducing the risk of a collision.
Whilst the ‘human’ element is almost impossible to eliminate, the early warning system has helped to ‘keep people on their toes’ and remain constantly aware of their surroundings. With an increased awareness of safety and everyone looking out for everyone else, there is a new sense of security and peace of mind across the site.
The timber sector has to continue to find ways to reduce risk on sites. Whilst they are inherently dangerous places to work, implementing new safety solutions, such as proximity warning alert systems can have a huge impact. As we have seen this is not just about reducing the risk of collisions and accidents, but ensuring adherence to regulation, improving reputation and ensuring employees feel safe in their workplace.
