BUYER’S GUIDE
THE February 2018 ‘Health and Harmony: the
future for food, farming and the environment
in a Green Brexit’ paper published by Michael
Gove painted a positive picture for the future
of the forestry industry. Gove outlined several
suggestions for a renewed approach to the
industry, including a dedicated skills drive,
supporting farmers and landowners to deliver
public benefits from the farming and forestry
industry, and enhancing the beauty heritage
with the natural environment. In addition, the
report called for recognition of the benefits to
society offered by woods/forests, including
providing outdoor space for exercise
and recreation, contributing to improving
agricultural productivity and rural business
diversification.^1
The sentiment was clear: Brexit provides us
with a chance to reform, changing the state of
our natural environment and the way we farm,
and the Government plays a huge part in this.
The report was welcomed by the industry,
and we must keep a close eye on how this
develops over the next couple of months. The
transition period provides the opportunity to
ensure our industry will be ready to embrace
such changes. With the 2016/17 Health
and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics telling
us that the agriculture, forestry and fishing
industry collectively reports the highest
combined self-reported work-related illness
and injury, there is definitely scope for
improvement.
Throughout all industries, musculoskeletal
disorders account for around half of the
self-reported work-related illness cases.^2 In
forestry, it is the most common work-related
ill-health condition.^3 It can be divided into
disorders affecting the upper limb, neck and
THE Protos Integral provides maximum safety with total comfort. The
many intelligent details make for easy handling, a perfect fit and
comfortable wearing. The forestry sector and its extremely variable
requirements were the starting point for the development of the
Protos Integral principle. Because branches and other objects
in the forest are very likely to get caught on components of head
protection, all parts of the Protos, from the visor to the hearing
protection are integrated and make it impossible to get caught up.
The patented neck cradle system ensures a perfect fit to the head,
and as this gently hugs the nape of the neck, even when the hearing
protection is not in use, the Protos stays in position on the head and
doesn’t fall off.
The helmet is suitable for all activities that involve chainsaw work
at height where a mountaineer standard (EN12492) of helmet is
required. It is equipped with a chin strap and crash absorber. In an
environment that requires maximum concentration and attention, the
head protection cannot cause any interference or slip out of place.
A range of fully integrated accessories are designed for the
helmet, including safety glasses, visors, ear defenders, neck capes,
torches and communication systems, to ensure you are ready for any
mission. Both the Forest and Arborist versions of the Protos Integral are available
in a wide range of striking colours.
http://www.outwearltd.co.ukOUTWEAR LTD
PROTOS INTEGRAL HELMET40 MAY 20 18 FORESTRYJOURNAL.CO.UK
THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT
shoulder (WRULDs), lower limb (WRLLDs)
and those affecting the back.^4 In 2016/17,
across UK workplaces, 1.8 million working
days were lost as a result of WRLLDs.^5 This
is an issue that the forestry industry needs
further education on.WRLLDS: WHAT DO THEY MEAN?
Standing for long periods of time, carrying
out manual work and operating across
different terrains are activities that form the
day-to-day part of life in the forestry sector.
Appreciating the risk of WRLLDs is the first
step, and understanding how inadequate
footwear can worsen conditions is the next.
The most common WRLLDs and the different
features in footwear that could prevent the
condition from developing are:- Stress fracture – this is caused by high-
impact and weight-bearing activities.
Preventative footwear feature: cushioning
technology. - Heel pain – this includes the injury plantar
fasciitis, caused by a repeated high-impact
movement. Preventative footwear feature:
extra cushioning and support. - Morton’s neuroma – this can occur when
there is an increased pressure on the toes.
Preventative footwear feature: protective
arch support.
Once injuries develop, it could become
difficult to complete work tasks and daily
routines, possibly leading to emotional and
financial implications through a lack of work
and earnings. To prevent pain and disorders,
the best protection is found in footwear that is
compliant with the government standard EN
ISO 2 034 5: 2011 and incorporates key safety
features such as chainsaw cut protection,
safety toecaps and sturdy anti-slip soles.
With Brexit looming and a drive from
Westminster to change the shape of the
industry, those operating in it must take time
to consider their health and wellbeing now.
HSE statistics record 15,000 workers across
agriculture, forestry and fishing as suffering
from an illness they believe was caused or
made worse by work.^6 Appreciate that the
very essence of your work means you are at
risk of increased health and safety incidents
occurring and do everything you can to
protect yourself.
Simon Ash, UK Sales Manager, HAIXREFERENCES:
- https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/
system/uploads/attachment_data/
file/684003/future-farming-environment-
consult-document.pdf - http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/industry/
agriculture/agriculture.pdf - http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/industry/
agriculture/agriculture.pdf - http://positura.uk/musculoskeletal-health/
- http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/
musculoskeletal/msd.pdf - http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/industry/
agriculture/agriculture.pdf