Manslaughter charge shows forestry safety must be taken seriously

News that Police have arrested and charged a man with manslaughter over the death of 20-year old Lincoln Kidd shows that forestry safety must be taken seriously, according to FIRST Union.

“Lincoln’s tragic death was one of ten lives claimed by this industry last year, four of which were under the age of 30. If we don’t take the dangers and hazards of the forestry industry seriously then we could stand to lose more workers,” said FIRST Union General Secretary Robert Reid.

“We’re pleased that 2014 has been a year of progress with forestry safety,” said Robert Reid.

“The rate of fatalities and serious harm incidents has been much lower than last year and enforcement activity is much more widespread. This is part of the wider picture of creating a safety culture, where workers have a voice.

“Employers have a duty to protect workers and it is important that this duty is upheld. Tragedies such as Lincoln’s death needn’t occur, and a free and fair trial will assist everybody in making our workplaces safer.”

FIRST Union is currently looking forward to receiving the findings of the Independent Forestry Safety Review.

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