Logging Trucks Losing It In Northland

Unseasonal weather conditions are leading to logging truck accidents in the far north said the Occupational Health and Safety Service (OSH) today.

"We have had three logging truck rollovers reported to us since December 5," said Richard Willis, Service Manager, OSH Northland.

"All were laden vehicles and two of the incidents were directly influenced by wet and slippery roads.

"The road surfaces were all unsealed access tracks and in two instances, the trucks were being towed by other vehicles.

"These vehicles weigh up to 40 Tonnes and there is very real potential for these incidents to become fatal accidents."

A Dunedin Contractor also had a lucky escape last week after his 35-tonne logging machine lost traction in slippery conditions and careered 100m down a bank.

"It is fortunate that no one has been killed," said Mr Willis.

"November and December were very wet months here. Even a small amount of rain can change the way that the road surfaces behave in Northland, due to the soil types which form the road base.

"What is required is accurate assessment of the conditions and capabilities of logging trucks and the roads they travel on.

"It is simply not acceptable to risk lives by chancing it in unsuitable conditions."

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