1 | Managing and Risk Assessing Forestry Operations Covid-19 Outbreak | Jason Liggins | 26/03/20
Managing and Risk Assessing
Forestry Operations During
Covid-19 Outbreak
Background Work sites operating during Covid – 19 need to ensure they are protecting their workforce
and minimising the risk of spread of infection. It is essential that current government public
health advice (eg physical distancing, hand and equipment hygiene) can be implemented
during all planning and operational stages. For up to date advice please check here.
Operations must also continue to be managed to our usual high standards of health and
safety (H&S). Appropriate contract documentation, PCM gateways and meetings must be
completed. Adequate supervision and monitoring is still essential to ensure that
appropriate H&S and environmental standards are maintained on site.
The following information should be used to review existing risk assessments for work
currently underway or when planning new work. Site safety rules and safe systems of work
should also be updated where necessary. The document also contains guidance to be used
before going on site (Appendix 1) and a generic risk assessment for FLS staff to use who are
travelling to and visiting sites during Covid-19 (Appendix 2)
Key Issues
1. Physical Distancing and Hygiene
It is essential that safe physical distancing can be adhered to at all times on operational
sites. Workers on site must be given information to help remind them of the procedures
they are operating under. These may be challenging and change day-to-day, but need to be
in place to protect everyone including families and the wider population. If the site cannot
implement the measures put in place, it should be shut down. A generic risk assessment
for FLS staff visiting sites can be found at the back of this document.
The following workers must not be on site:
Those in self-isolation/vulnerable person/ are living with someone in self-isolation or a
vulnerable person (up to date details of the categories /recommendations are listed here)
2 | Managing and Risk Assessing Forestry Operations Covid-19 Outbreak | Jason Liggins |
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Managing and Risk Assessing Forestry Operations Covid-19 Outbreak
If someone falls ill, or example develops a high temperature or a persistent cough while at work, they should:
return home immediately
avoid touching anything
cough or sneeze into a tissue and put it in a bin, or if they do not have tissues, cough
and sneeze into the crook of their elbow
they must then follow the guidance on self-isolation and not return to work until
their period of self-isolation has been completed.
inform FWM/contract manager
if they get symptoms at home and have been working inform FWM/contract
manager
General infection prevention issues to be considered in risk assessment and management include:
follow all the recommended procedures for preventing infection. Further guidance
can be found here
physical distancing needs to be in place for the journeys to and from site as well as
when on site
what are the parking arrangements if extra vehicles need to be used to get to
site? Are site access points away from public areas?
how will someone taken ill get home?
stop all non-essential visitors
ensure that workers will maintain 2 m physical distancing at all times
what lone working procedures are in place and potential staff absence will be
managed
ensure systems are still in place for reporting accidents and incidents effectively
(AIRS)
how will vehicle or machinery breakdowns be managed
appropriate welfare facilities must be provided on site. Require all workers to wash
or clean their hands before entering or leaving the site
ensure soap and / or sanitiser and fresh water and readily available and kept topped
up at all times
provide hand sanitiser where hand washing facilities are not easily accessible
maintain adequate soap and sanitiser levels
increase the cleaning regimes for welfare facilities particularly door handles, locks
and the toilet flush
regularly clean common contact surfaces
aim to limit one driver to each machine or ensure good hygiene between shifts
3 | Managing and Risk Assessing Forestry Operations Covid-19 Outbreak | Jason Liggins |
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Managing and Risk Assessing Forestry Operations Covid-19 Outbreak
workers should sit a minimum of 2 metres apart from each other whilst eating and
avoid all contact
PPE /helmet radios should not be shared between workers
2. Availability of Personnel
If an operation cannot be undertaken safely due to a lack of suitably competent personnel
to work on site, maintain plant and equipment or manage and supervise the work it should
not take place. FWMs must plan what action to take should anyone involved in the
operation become ill or unavailable.
Emergency services are also under great pressure and may not be in a position to respond
as quickly as usual. For example mountain rescue services may not have adequate number
of volunteers or NHS staff may be diverted to the Covid -19 response. As this situation is
changing regularly, FLS staff should take advice from local emergency rescue services,
including mountain rescue and local NHS, (to find your local NHS board click here) while
planning and at regular periods to decide whether work can go ahead or continue. This is
particularly important when high risk activities, such as chainsaw operations, will be
taking place.
3. Precommencement (PCM) Process
Delivery Managers will decide which operations can start during this period. The PCM
process (Gateways 1-3) must be still followed. Gateways 1-2 can be carried out
electronically. In addition to the general guidance above:
PCM meetings for harvesting operations (which are considered high risk) must take
place in on site
the pre-meeting questions in Appendix 1 should be used when planning a PCM
meeting
PCM meetings can only take place with both the FWM and site safety co-
ordinator/main contractor present
physical distancing (minimum 2 m) must be strictly followed by all those on site
hard-copy paperwork and signatures should not be exchanged on site; this can be
done by email afterwards
processes for dealing with sickness or self-isolation must be discussed and recorded
recorded discussion must take place around how site safety rules are passed to new
operators if others end up in self-isolation
recorded discussion must take place around how the FWM will ensure good hygiene
is practiced around shared plant and equipment such as bowsers and welfare cabins
RAMS should cover the points just mentioned above
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Managing and Risk Assessing Forestry Operations Covid-19 Outbreak
if the FWM (or a competent deputy) isn’t available because they are in self-isolation
seek advice from your line manager as it is likely that the work may need to be
temporarily suspended
if we, as landowner, can’t adequately monitor sites seek advice from line manager as
it is likely that the work may need to be temporarily suspended
Further information Further information on how FLS manage health and safety in forestry can be found here
FLS health, safety and wellbeing information and guidance can be found here
A word version of the risk assessment in Appendix 2 can be found here
Please contact your local H&S Advisor for help and support or e-mail
5 | Managing and Risk Assessing Forestry Operations Covid-19 Outbreak | Jason Liggins |
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Managing and Risk Assessing Forestry Operations Covid-19 Outbreak
Appendix 1 - Pre-meeting checks The questions below have been developed to support decision making when arranging site
visits. They are particularly important when arranging site meetings with third parties such
as merchants and contractors. This questions detailed below must be answered by all
required attendees on a site visit (Including FLS staff). For formal meetings this should be
done by e-mail and returned to the organizer no later than close of business on day prior to
the site visit. However, its good practice to ask these questions of everyone who may be on
site before you visit (including yourself). It is important questions are answered honestly to
control the spread of coronavirus, and protect your co-workers and the wider public health.
Pre-visit questions
To be asked prior to any site visit by all required attendees. All questions must be answered
truthfully. If any individual answers ‘yes’ to any of the questions below, they must not
attend the site visit and follow current public health guidance from NHS inform.
have you had a dry, persistent cough within the last seven days?
have you had a fever, however mild, within the last seven days?
have you been in close contact with anyone displaying symptoms, or anyone with a
confirmed case of coronavirus within the last 14 days?
are you in any high risk category? (aged over 70, aged under 70 with an underlying
health condition, an expectant mother, compromised immune system)
do you care for or look after anyone in a high risk category?
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Managing and Risk Assessing Forestry Operations Covid-19 Outbreak
Covid-19 site visit risk assessment
Appendix 2 Time period Location
18th March 2020 – 30th April 2020
Job
Employees covered
The hazard Location of
the hazard
Who could be
harmed?
Level of
risk
Controls Implementation/monitoring
Who is doing what and when they do it
Who What When
Vehicle breaking
down on way to
site, with limited
recovery response
(RAC or MES
mobile mechanics)
Public road, forest
road,
FLS
employees,
H 1. Ensure you have refreshed your knowledge of OGB 22 – Driving at Work.
2. All MES servicing and non-essential repairs are suspended until further notice. You must therefore check that the vehicle you plan to use is in serviceable condition (including tyres, fluids, brakes etc.) and that it has a current MOT. MES mobile mechanics will conduct
essential repairs such as
tyres/breakdowns, but capacity may
1. Driver of vehicle and manager
2. Driver of vehicle
1. Read & follow mandatory elements
2. Carry out vehicle checks in line with MES and manufacturers guidance
1. Before vehicle use
2. Before
leaving for site
FLS sites
Site Visit for business critical work during Covid-19 outbreak
All appropriate FLS staff
Covid-19 site visit risk assessment
be limited, so vehicle must be
checked before use.
3. Plan routes wisely and try to avoid forest roads where a vehicle may suffer damage to tyres or undercarriage – aim to eliminate the risk of damage or breakdown before leaving the office with good planning.
4. Park vehicles sensibly on-site to ensure they don’t get stuck and don’t hinder other vehicle movements. Also take consideration of locations for turning and reversing, including with trailers
5. Carry essential provisions in the vehicle to anticipate potential for long waits for help or recovery – this should include food, water, flashlight, first aid kit, phone, battery charger, and SPOT tracker.
6. All those attending site visits MUST use the PeopleSafe lone working system. Leave a clear message of task, route, location, who you’re meeting, and what you’re doing. Use a SPOT tracker for enhanced provision.
3. Driver of
vehicle and manager
4. Driver of
vehicle 5. Driver of
vehicle and manager
6. Site visit
attendee and their manager
3. Assess maps of
site, and local knowledge, to pick most sensible route that avoids rough roads
4. Assess maps of site and use local knowledge to plan route
5. Check stock of
provisions in vehicle. If anything missing, replace before leaving
6. Log into PeopleSafe and track on SPOT tracker. Manager to check use.
3. When
planning for site visit
4. When
planning for site visit
5. Before setting off, but ideally day before to allow sourcing of resources
6. Log in when leaving public road. Manager to check use periodically
Covid-19 site visit risk assessment
Contracting
coronavirus from
touching surface
Any surface,
primarily door
handle, gear stick,
steering wheel etc.
Welfare unit
surfaces.
Machinery.
FLS
employees,
contractors
H 1. Avoid signing bits of paper and handing them between individuals – prepare and exchange relevant documentation electronically where possible
2. Where possible when accessing
welfare units, wear gloves and discard when exiting
3. Do not touch outside of units when
taking gloves off and wash/sanitise hands before touching face or getting into vehicle or machine
4. Avoid sharing transport with others and use your own vehicle to access site
5. Ensure that you have hygiene facilities available in your vehicle before leaving for a site visit. This can either be a wash-basin within vans where fitted, or hand sanitiser gel.
6. Identify staff who will be conducting site visits and face-to-face meetings (PCM’s/site checks etc.) and ensure they have necessary hygiene materials, including hand wash/ sanitiser and tissues.
1. Everyone 2. Everyone
3. Everyone 4. Everyone 5. Managers 6. Managers
1. Exchange paperwork electronically, or use phone/ tablet to complete on site
2. Wear gloves when entering welfare units
3. Observe good
hand hygiene when around welfare units
4. Make sure vehicle suitable for site
5. Make sure that fleet vehicles and users have hand hygiene available.
6. Identify key staff who will be attending sites/meetings and provide with materials
1. When planning site visit
2. When
entering units, dispose on leaving
3. When leaving welfare units
4. Prior to site visit
5. Before use of a vehicle
6. Weekly
checks at minimum
Covid-19 site visit risk assessment
7. Hands must be washed with soap & water for at least 20secs, or sanitised with alcohol gel before leaving for the site and on return.
8. Wash or sanitise hands – as above – regularly throughout the day, and especially when touching objects or surfaces in high traffic areas
9. Try not to touch eyes, mouth or nose throughout the day, unless hands have been washed
10. Where possible, check in advance of visiting offices whether hand washing facilities are available.
7. Everyone 8. Everyone 9. Everyone 10. Everyone
7. Wash hands for 20 secs or sanitise
8. Clean with alc/
disinfectant wipe
9. Remind others
of unconscious behaviour
10. Email or call in advance.
7. Entry to & exit building /home
8. Wash regularly or where necessary
9. Whenever observed
10. At least day
prior to travelling
Contracting
coronavirus from
close contact with
someone who has
no symptoms
On the hands,
arms and face of
the individual.
Within 2m of the
individual.
FLS
employees,
contractors
H 1. Speak to operators by phone or radio wherever possible, or ask them to stay in the cab while you stand a minimum of 2m away.
2. Avoid sharing transport with others and use your own vehicle to access site
3. Observe FLS ‘no handshaking policy’; avoid physical contact completely
4. Wash or sanitise hands before and after entering a site
5. Keep face-to-face outdoors in a well ventilated area, and physical distancing of at least 2m must be kept between all attendees at all times
1. Everyone 2. Everyone 3. Everyone
4. Everyone 5. Everyone –
1. Call operator by phone or radio
2. Make sure vehicle suitable for site
3. Advise/ remind attendees
4. Advise/ remind when meeting begins
5. Arrange in advance – agree measures to maintain distancing
1. On arrival at site where possible
2. When planning site visit
3. At all times 4. Entering
exiting a site
5. All times
Covid-19 site visit risk assessment
Contracting
coronavirus from
someone who has
symptoms
(persistent dry
cough and/or
fever)
On the hands,
arms and face of
the individual.
Within 2m of the
individual.
FLS
employees,
contractors
H 1. Those with symptoms must follow public health guidance and self-isolate
2. Before site meetings, ask everyone to complete the questionnaire (Appendix 1 below).
3. Where anyone has doubts over symptoms or contact with known cases, they should not attend
4. If anyone develops symptoms during a site visit, they must leave and go home to self-isolate for a period. Public health guidance on use of public transport must be observed. Other individuals at the same site visit must then monitor themselves for symptoms, and declare this to their line manager
1. Everyone 2. Everyone to
complete 3. Everyone 4. Everyone
1. Isolate and inform attendees
2. Complete and return to organiser
3. Declare symptoms and don’t attend
4. Maintain distance from other attendees, advise going home, leave in own vehicle, inform line manager
1. BEFORE visit
2. Before the
visit
3. At any point PRIOR to visit
4. At immediate onset of symptoms, or feeling unwell
Dermatitis of the
hands due to
regular hand
washing/sanitiser
use/strong soaps
or alcohol drying
the skin
On the hands,
wrists, and lower
arm
FLS
employees,
contractors
M 1. Where possible, moisturise hands after washing or sanitising without contaminating hands
2. Try to use soaps you know don’t irritate your hands where possible
3. Rotate regularly, where possible, between using soap and sanitiser
4. Moisturising soap is fine to use, it does not need to be an aggressive/alcohol based/anti-bacterial soap – the action of the soap is sufficient in removing the virus from hands
1. Everyone 2. Everyone 3. Everyone
4. Everyone
1. Moisturise after washing
2. Use mild soaps 3. Alternate soap
and sanitiser 4. Use bars of
soap, liquid soap, or foam soap. Lather for 20 secs and rinse well
1. After each wash
2. With each wash
3. Often as possible
4. Wash regularly or where necessary
Covid-19 site visit risk assessment
5. Make sure to dry hands well and moisturise straight after to lock in moisture
6. Try to use paper towels and dab hands dry – hand dryers may dry the skin more, and cotton/communal towels may be unhygienic
5. Everyone 6. Everyone
5. Moisturise after washing
6. Dab dry with paper towels and moisturise
5. At every wash
6. At every wash
Contact This risk assessment has been discussed with all the named employees above. If named employees identify a site hazard that
has not been included in the risk assessment they should contact:
Andy Sloss – H&S Advisor – 0783 632 1682 – [email protected]
Assessment by Approved by
Andy Sloss
Date