Overview

The Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Industry employs about 34,700 workers in South Australia, accounting for 3.66 per cent of the state's workforce.

Forestry and logging plantations in South Australia cover more than 168,000 hectares. The industry employs about 5,200 full-time workers and is forecast to grow by about 10 per cent over the coming years, contributing $210 million in additional income and creating 1,500 jobs. The industry supports a thriving number of downstream businesses including sawmills, wood processing, paper and pulp manufacturing, furniture and cabinet making and construction.

However, the industry faces significant challenges such as environmental concerns, climate change, regulatory pressures, and labour shortages.  Key policies and strategic plans that govern the sector:

  • South Australian Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Master Plan.
  • State specific legislation related to timber harvesting along with national standards.
  • Sustainable forestry initiatives.

The 2025-26 SafeWork SA campaign will focus on the forestry and logging industry, and its downstream businesses, including:

Sawmills and Wood Processing

These businesses convert logs into lumber and other wood products.

Paper and Pulp Manufacturing

Utilising wood fibres to produce paper products.

Claims data

Forestry and logging

Between July 2015 and September 2024, there were 480 workers' compensation claims, mostly from the logging sector.

The main injury mechanisms were body stressing and falls, trips and slips – accounted for 59 per cent of the injuries in these claims.

Common injuries included traumatic joint/ligament and muscle/tendon injuries, wounds, lacerations and amputations. The majority of claimants were machine operators and drivers.

Downstream industries

There were 3,313 workers' compensation claims for downstream industries during the same period, with the highest claims in log sawmilling and wooden structure fitting. Common injuries included body stressing and being hit by moving objects. Significant occupations at the time of injury included cabinet makers, paper and pulp mill workers, and sawmill or timber yard workers.

Campaign information

The 12-month campaign will begin in July 2025 and will target businesses with a history of high workers’ compensation claims.

It will include worksite inspections and audits to identify non-compliance and assist in educating the businesses on their Work Health & Safety (WHS) duty of care to meet their statutory obligations.

SafeWork SA’s 2025-26 forestry and logging industry compliance campaign will focus on the following common logging industry WHS risks:

  • Falling Objects
    • Trees and Branches: Workers are at risk of being struck by falling trees or branches during felling operations.
  • Machinery-Related Accidents
    • Chainsaws and Heavy Equipment: Injuries can occur from the use of chainsaws, feller bunchers, harvesters, and other heavy machinery.
  • Falls and Slips
    • Rough Terrain: Workers often operate on uneven, slippery, or steep terrain, increasing the risk of falls.
    • Falls from Heights:  Workers falling from plant ie trucks whilst loading/unloading
  • Transport and Handling Accidents
    • Heavy Vehicles: Accidents can happen during the transportation and handling of timber, involving trucks and other heavy vehicles.
  • Environmental Factors
    • Weather Conditions: Extreme temperatures, wet conditions, and delayed emergency response times can pose significant risk.
    • Exposure to Noise and Vibration: Prolonged exposure to loud machinery and vibrations can lead to hearing loss and musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Manual Handling
    • Heavy Loads: Workers often carry heavy loads, which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries such as back strains and sprains.
  • Fatigue
    • Long Hours: Extended working hours and physically demanding tasks can result in fatigue, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
  • Chemical Exposure
    • Pesticides and Fuels: Exposure to chemicals used in forestry operations, such as pesticides and fuels, can pose health risks.
  • Fire Hazards
    • Bushfires: The risk of bushfires is a significant concern, especially during dry seasons.
  • Working Alone
    • Isolation: Workers often operate in remote areas, which can delay emergency response in case of an accident.

SafeWork SA’s 2025-26 forestry and logging industry compliance campaign will focus on the following common down-stream industry WHS risks:

  • Manual Handling
  • Safe use of plant, including adequate guarding
  • Inspection and testing of electrical equipment
  • Appropriate lock out provisions on items of plant
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Traffic Management
  • Maintenance of plant
  • Training and Supervision
  • PPE

High risk work licensing

High-risk work licences are required for a number of tasks including crane and hoist operation, forklift operation and scaffolding work.

These licences are used widely across several industries including manufacturing, agriculture, forestry and fishing and transport and warehousing.

SafeWork SA’s 2025-26 compliance campaigns will include audits aim to ensure that high-risk work (HRW) is being carried out safely and competently.

The audits will focus on verifying that workers hold a valid HRW licence relevant to the tasks they perform and that employers have systems in place to sight, verify, and record these licences.

Further resources