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Exoskeleton principles to protect forestry workers

Australian timber industry news - Mi, 16/07/2025 - 02:23

The same exoskeleton principles that protect grasshoppers, crabs and similar creatures could also help protect the 25,000 or so workers in the job with the highest injury and fatality rates in America: forestry. Source: Timberbiz “Forestry is vitally important to our economy and our standard of living, but its workers pay a high price, with an injury rate that is 40% higher than the average of all other industries and fatality rates that are 20 to 30 times higher,” said Jeong Ho “Jay” Kim, PhD, a systems engineering expert with the Texas A&M University School of Public Health. In a recent study, Kim and co-author Woodam Chung, PhD, a forest engineer at Oregon State University, were the first to objectively measure biomechanical stress experienced by professional timber fellers during actual timber felling operations. They also evaluated forest workers’ perceptions of wearable exoskeletons — emerging technology already being used in other physically demanding industries such as shipbuilding and automotive and aerospace manufacturing. Kim said that most forestry injuries and fatalities are associated with manual timber felling with a chain saw and related activities such as delimbing and cutting felled trees into logs and other smaller pieces. These activities require forceful exertions, awkward postures, repetitive motions and hand-arm vibrations. As a result, more than 70 percent of forestry workers experience work-related musculoskeletal disorders, primarily in their shoulders and lower backs. These risks are magnified by the isolated, rugged conditions in which this work takes place — often on terrain with unstable footing and unpredictable weather, Kim said. Kim and Chung’s work was supported by the Economic Development Administration and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and published in the International Journal of Forest Engineering. Study participants were recruited as a convenience sample through local forest industry partners, the Pacific Northwest Agriculture Safety and Health and USDA Forest Service District Offices in Oregon and Idaho. The study had two parts. First, to identify the types of exoskeletons that would be most appropriate and beneficial, the researchers measured the biomechanical stress levels of 10 currently employed professional timber fellers — nine men and one woman, all age 21 or older — who performed manual timber felling while wearing sensors. Inertial measurement unit sensors were placed on the participants’ torsos (the midpoint of sternum) and the outside of both arms directly below the shoulder. As the participants worked their shifts of three to four and a half hours, all three sensors continuously synchronized via Bluetooth and saved the data. When the work shifts were completed, the researchers removed the sensors and saved the data into a cloud server. These participants also completed a paper survey that assessed how much they knew about exoskeletons, how accepting they were of the concept, and their perceived barriers and risks of using exoskeletons. In addition, another 12 currently employed foresters (all men) took the same survey online. The 22 respondents were primarily in Oregon, followed by Montana, Idaho and Washington, and reported 38 job titles (many of them had multiple roles). They were timber fellers, managers/CEOs, equipment operators, safety officers, cable logging crew members and trainers. The survey identified musculoskeletal pain in seven body parts: neck, shoulders, low back, wrist/forearms, knees, legs and ankles/feet. Low back was the most prevalent, with a pain level of 3.7 on a 10-point scale. “This finding suggests that back-support and upper-limb support exoskeletons may be suitable to the forestry industry,” Kim said. In addition, most participants — about 53% — were not familiar with assistive technologies such as exoskeletons at all, while 21% said they were slightly familiar. “Upon learning about exoskeletons, these participants had considerable interest in using them for timber felling, cutting/sawing and mechanic work as long as they did not impair mobility and were affordable and easy to use and maintain,” Kim said, adding that weight and the risk of getting snagged were potential concerns. “While our study sample was too small to be generalizable, the results provided a strong foundation for our current federally funded work to further assess the ways exoskeletons could help forestry workers stay safer on the job,” Kim said.    

The post Exoskeleton principles to protect forestry workers appeared first on Timberbiz.

FSC certification contributes to maintaining and increasing forest cover

Australian timber industry news - Mi, 16/07/2025 - 02:22

A new study in The Journal of Cleaner Production confirms that FSC certification contributes to maintaining and increasing forest cover, especially in lower-middle income countries. Source: Timberbiz These findings reinforce the conclusions of previous research and provide insights on adapting regional certification strategies to increase sustainable forest management. The study, led by researchers Inoussa Boubacar and Yaya Sissoko, investigated the critical role of FSC certification in promoting sustainable forest management and mitigating deforestation across diverse economic and climatic contexts. Using dynamic panel data model and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimations on 70 countries from 2000 – 2021, the researchers examined forest cover as a measure for impact of FSC certification. Results indicate that FSC certification contributes to maintaining and increasing forest cover across diverse economic and climatic contexts. This positive impact is most strongly observed in lower-middle income countries (as defined by World Bank economic classifications). Scaling up certification and integrating it into national policies could benefit countries of this economic category. The data also shows positive impacts of certification on low-, middle-, and high-income countries. The study also found that FSC certification has a positive impact on all climate zones – tropical, temperate, and others. However, the strength of the impact varies across zones, highlighting the need for region-specific strategies. Based on these findings, the authors recommend: tailoring strategies for different regions and countries based on economic structures, governance capacities, market conditions, and climatic zones; embedding FSC certification into national and international forest governance frameworks; aligning certification with trade policies; further aligning FSC with international initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) for example as was done in the Congo Basin; and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders including policymakers, companies, and international organizations to increase the adoption of FSC certification to mitigate deforestation.

The post FSC certification contributes to maintaining and increasing forest cover appeared first on Timberbiz.

Russia on the brink of shutdowns after Western sanctions

Australian timber industry news - Mi, 16/07/2025 - 02:21

Russia’s timber industry is warning of widespread production shutdowns as the sector reels from Western sanctions, declining demand and a surging Ruble that has battered the country’s export competitiveness. The Moscow Times In a letter to Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov reviewed by the Kommersant business daily, the Russian Association of Organizations and Enterprises of the Pulp and Paper Industry described the current moment as one of the industry’s most difficult periods in modern history. Industry data show that timber harvesting fell 13% in 2024 compared with pre-war levels in 2021, lumber production dropped 11% and plywood output declined 23%. Even pulp production, one of the sector’s more stable outputs, decreased by 3%. Major industry players including Segezha Group and ULK Group have been restructuring loans over the past two years in response to falling output, sliding prices and soaring costs. But the situation has continued to deteriorate, especially within the export-heavy pulp and paper sector. Sanctions imposed by the West in response to the war in Ukraine have effectively cut off access to the European market, traditionally one of Russia’s largest buyers of timber products. At the same time, the strengthening Ruble has made Russian exports less competitive abroad, further shrinking revenue for producers already struggling to adjust to new global trading conditions. Compounding the problem is the Central Bank’s steep 20% key interest rate along with a hike in the profit tax rate from 20% to 25%, measures aimed at stabilizing the broader economy that have inadvertently tightened the screws on manufacturers. “There is no market for products such as pellets, roundwood or wood chips, and lumber prices are in continual decline,” said Vladimir Butorin, CEO of ULK Group, told Kommersant. In addition to export woes, the industry is also confronting weak domestic demand and fading prospects in China, traditionally a fallback market for Russian timber. Executives say China’s ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. and a prolonged slump in the country’s construction sector have sharply reduced buying activity. Segezha Group representatives told Kommersant that companies are suffering from “export complications, construction sector challenges, diminishing demand, higher logistics costs and declining operational efficiency.” The industry leaders’ letter calls on the government to create an emergency operations centre within the Industry and Trade Ministry to monitor the sector and develop stabilization measures. Economist Denis Kondratyev said that while the strong Ruble may be a sign of macroeconomic resilience, it is crippling Russia’s exporters. “A strong Ruble damages export opportunities by making shipments less attractive and raising the cost of products in foreign markets,” he said. He also noted that rising imports, even amid sanctions, are placing further pressure on domestic producers struggling to stay afloat. Kondratyev argued that government protectionist policies are necessary, including restricting imports in the domestic market.

The post Russia on the brink of shutdowns after Western sanctions appeared first on Timberbiz.

Combatting illegal logging update

Australian timber industry news - Mi, 16/07/2025 - 02:21

We are now over four months into Australia’s reformed illegal logging laws (Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 (Act) and the Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 (Rules)) that came into effect early this year. Source: Timberbiz This is a reminder that the department offers a range of guidance and resources on its website to help you understand your due diligence obligations. As part of our continued education and guidance efforts during this early implementation period, outlined below are some common scenarios relating to non-compliance with the laws. We encourage all regulated entities to review their systems and practices against these points to ensure they are meeting their obligations under the reforms. Common contraventions Due Diligence System (DDS) issues Some entities are found to have either have no DDS in place, are relying upon a Chain of Custody manual or are using a DDS that is inadequate. You must have a DDS system in place before importing regulated timber products or processing a raw log that sets out how the due diligence requirements of the Rules will be met. Requirement for information and documents (RFID) notice issues Failure to respond to a RFID notice or to provide the information and documents requested in the notice. Please be aware that the department sends notices via registered post and email, using the contact details listed in the Australian Business Register. Information gathering issues Failure to collect all the required information before importing or processing their product/s, or reliance upon confirmation statements that information previously provided has not changed. If certain information cannot be obtained, the importer or processor must keep records that demonstrate that the information was not reasonably practicable to obtain. Information gathering is required to be undertaken upon each instance of importation/raw log processing. Risk assessment issues Failure to undertake adequate risk assessments. The department is finding that some risk assessments are being undertaken against a supplier and/or do not consider all of the prescribed risk factors. Risk assessments must be undertaken on the specific product/s being imported/raw logs processed, and written records must be kept that demonstrate the assessment occurred before import/raw log processing. Risk factor issues Failure to undertake adequate research to fully evaluate associated risk factors. You must consider all relevant risk factors and conduct additional research where necessary when determining the risk of your product/s being illegally logged. Your written risk assessment must demonstrate that all of the prescribed risk factors have been considered to a reasonable standard. Exception operation There is misunderstanding about the risk assessment exception. The exception does not apply to information gathering or determining that the product or raw log is certified. It also cannot be applied to part of or a component of a product. If any information about the product/raw log has changed, then the whole product/raw log is no longer eligible for the exception pathway. Certified products/logs When undertaking due diligence on certified product/s, common issues include: not downloading/using the PEFC/FSC database to obtain the timestamped record failing to assess certification in accordance with the CoC framework assuming supplier certification automatically means product/raw log certification relying on incomplete or out-of-scope sales/delivery records or nil certification claims. You must verify the certification per the Rules for each import/processing. Be mindful that you cannot use certification as the sole indicator of timber legality. Retrospectively created or altered documents Do not create or alter any documents (eg risk assessment records, DDS, database downloads with removed timestamps) after importing/processing or after receiving a RFID. This breaches the illegal logging legislation and may constitute providing false or misleading information under the Act and the Criminal Code Act 1995 (eg forgery). If you are unsure, please reach out to the department. For assistance or further information, visit the Illegal Logging Compliance webpage at https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/forestry/policies/illegal-logging/illegal-logging-compliance or contact the department directly at illegallogging@aff.gov.au  

The post Combatting illegal logging update appeared first on Timberbiz.

FSC Promotional Licence Holders Forum

Australian timber industry news - Mi, 16/07/2025 - 02:20

FSC ANZ invites Promotional Licence Holders to the 2025 PLH Forum, an annual online event designed to strengthen understanding of the environmental, social, and economic outcomes your organisation supports through your commitment to FSC. Source: Timberbiz The PLH Forum is an opportunity for FSC ANZ to connect with the network of Promotional Licence Holders, share updates on work across the supply chain, and highlight key ways you can maximise the value of your FSC partnership. The event is a space to explore how your promotion of FSC-certified products contributes to responsible forest management both locally and globally. The 2025 program features a series of short presentations that reflect different areas of focus across the FSC system. Each speaker will offer insights into how FSC is creating real-world impact, and how Promotional Licence Holders are part of that journey. Presentations Welcome address from Melanie Robertson, CEO of FSC Australia and New Zealand The Indigenous Working Group Australia & New Zealand (IWG ANZ) Tolita Davis-Angeles, Chair of the FSC ANZ Indigenous Working Group Driving Environmental Impact Across Landscapes through FSC Certification NFAM Sustainability Team for the Australia and New Zealand Forest Fund at New Forests Strengthening Our Social Agenda: Understanding Core Labour Requirements Stefan Jensen, Senior Policy Manager at FSC ANZ PLH Program Highlights 2024/25: Local Impact, Global Reach Jen Nicita, Trademarks and Partnerships Manager at FSC ANZ FSC Forest Week 2025: Do One Thing for Forests Sarah Day, Engagement and Communications Manager at FSC ANZ From Indigenous leadership to labour safeguards, from marketing tools to landscape-level outcomes, the Forum will explore how FSC and its partners are delivering value for people and the planet. The event is on 6 August from 10am to midday (AEST) or midday to 2pm (NZST) and is wholly online. If you are a Promotional Licence Holder and would like to attend, please contact info@au.fsc.org  

The post FSC Promotional Licence Holders Forum appeared first on Timberbiz.

Auckland Council funding native tree planting

Australian timber industry news - Mi, 16/07/2025 - 02:20

Auckland Council has launched a new sustainable finance initiative, a sustainability-linked bond (SLB), with a clear purpose: to deliver real, long-term benefits to the Auckland region through accelerated native ngahere (forest) restoration in regional parks. Source: Timberbiz While the council has a well-established sustainable finance programme in place, this SLB is a new milestone with its focus firmly on people, place and planet. The bond links funding to the planting of one million native trees by the end of 2027, helping to grow a greener, healthier Tāmaki Makaurau for generations to come. However, what makes this bond particularly unique is its combined accountability and sustainability drive. If the council does not meet its planting target, it will make a donation to organisations supporting the restoration of native ngahere across the region. Unlike other SLB structures which often involve additional payments to investors for missed targets, the donation means whether the council meets the planting target or not, Aucklanders win. Auckland Council’s Manager Group Sustainable Finance Sophie Baillie says this innovative bond structure, which incorporates a donation, reflects Auckland’s leadership in the sustainable finance space while directly benefiting communities. “This bond enables us to align our funding with ambitious environmental outcomes.” “Its structure keeps us accountable and ensures the objective of ngahere restoration to support local biodiversity and climate resilience moves forward no matter what.” The one-million-tree planting target is part of the council’s ‘200 Hectare Programme’ – its 2021 Long-term Plan initiative to plant 200 hectares of new ngahere on park land. In doing so, it is transforming areas of marginal farmland into thriving native forests across the regional park network, while protecting sites of cultural significance. These ngahere offer more than just beauty: they provide habitat for native wildlife, improve air and water quality, support carbon sequestration, reduce flood risk and create meaningful green spaces for Aucklanders to enjoy. Auckland Council’s Ngahere Programme Manager Howell Davies, who co-authored the council’s 2019 Urban Ngahere Strategy, says the environmental and social impact of this work is immense. “Increasing our native ngahere across the Auckland region strengthens the natural fabric of our city. It is a key climate adaptation action, which improves the region’s resilience, enhances biodiversity and connects people to nature,” says Mr Davies. “Planting these trees now means Aucklanders, especially our tamariki, can grow up with cleaner air, cooler neighbourhoods and stronger connections to our land and cultural heritage.” Auckland Council‘s Ngahere Program Specialist Steve Burgess, who is coordinating the planting program, explains the tree seedlings and planting sites are carefully selected in consultation with mana whenua, ecologists, and parks specialists to ensure “the right tree is planted in the right place”. Locations span across Auckland’s regional parks, in areas that will benefit hugely from this ecological restoration. The initiative also supports the wider Auckland Climate Plan and the Auckland Plan 2050 goals of increasing canopy cover to help create a low-carbon, resilient city that values its natural taonga. This is not Auckland Council’s first foray into sustainable finance. Since 2018, the council has issued over NZ$3.7 billion in green bonds and has been a national leader in linking finance to environmental and social outcomes. “Our sustainable finance programme is a powerful tool for positive change,” says John Bishop, Group Treasurer at Auckland Council. “It helps us to deliver core services and infrastructure in a way that reflects our responsibility to future generations.” This latest bond is more than a financial transaction, it’s an investment in a thriving, resilient, and connected Auckland. Every tree planted will bring us closer to a future where nature and community thrive together.  

The post Auckland Council funding native tree planting appeared first on Timberbiz.

Aussie firefighters go to the aid of Canadians

Australian timber industry news - Mi, 16/07/2025 - 02:19

Forestry Corporation firefighters from Tumut and Deniliquin will deploy to Canada this week to reinforce local and international crews battling ongoing wildfires, where close to five million hectares have been burnt, approximately 150 wildfires remain active, and multiple communities have been evacuated.  Source: Timberbiz Forestry Corporation’s Linda Cotterill of Tumut will deploy to the position of Divisional Supervisor in Alberta and Peter O’Toole of Deniliquin will deploy as an Incident Management Team Safety Officer in Manitoba. The firefighters will be based in Canada for four weeks, working in challenging conditions. Ms Cotterill has been involved in fire management throughout Australia for 28 years but this is her first international deployment. “I have been fortunate to work all over Australia on fire management and suppression across 28 seasons as both a volunteer and professional forest firefighter,” Ms Cotterill said. “There are tens of thousands of people who have been evacuated in Canada. Family is very important to me, and I know what it means when people are managing fires and also wanting to be home assisting their loved ones and communities. “I’m grateful to have the support of my partner and three sons, as well as my manager and colleagues picking up the additional load back home, to be able to provide that assistance and relief to the Canadian firefighters. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to seeing how things are done differently and what I can bring back to share for Forestry Corporation and for our region. There are a lot of lessons that I have gained when firefighting interstate and international firefighting is another dimension that can help us improve forest firefighting in Tumut.” Mr O’Toole has been a forestry firefighter for nearly nine years, and this is his first international deployment. “I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to repay the Canadian services for their help in the 2019-20 fire season. During the 2019-20 season I worked alongside Canadian and Kiwi firefighters who came in to support us and I have worked with a lot of Canadians as seasonal staff over many years. I am looking forward to being able to help them out in return,” he said. The deployment follows a formal request for assistance through international firefighting agreements and highlights the strong collaboration between Australia and Canada in emergency response. It is the third Forestry Corporation deployment to Canada this winter, with eight Forestry Corporation staff from Bathurst, Bombala, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Wauchope and Eden deployed in June and currently completing month-long deployments. Forestry Corporation continues to support bushfire preparedness and response efforts both at home and abroad, ensuring its fire specialists are ready to assist wherever they are needed most.

The post Aussie firefighters go to the aid of Canadians appeared first on Timberbiz.

Supporting forestry communities in the Nelson Tasman Region

Australian timber industry news - Mi, 16/07/2025 - 02:18

The New Zealand Government is increasing its financial contribution to support rural communities in the Nelson Tasman Region, with additional funding to help farmers, foresters, growers and rural contractors recover from recent severe weather events. Source: Timberbiz Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay speaking during a visit to the Tasman District today announced an additional NZ$600,000 in Government and industry support, bringing the total Government financial contribution for the affected primary sector to NZ$500,000. “These regions have experienced significant damage to forests, farms and rural infrastructure. This funding will help meet immediate recovery needs and help rural businesses get back on their feet,” Mr McClay says. The support package includes: A NZ$300,000 Government contribution to the Mayoral Relief Fund tagged to the rural sector. NZ $100,000 contribution by the Government and Federated Farmers to the Farmers Adverse Events Trust to support with the immediate recovery needs for the most impacted pastoral farmers in the Nelson Tasman region. NZ $100,000 contribution by the Government and Horticulture New Zealand, to help the horticulture sector across the Top of the South. NZ $100,000 announced by Government in June to support and coordinate recovery efforts, including NZ $20,000 for the Top of the South Rural Support Trust. “We continue to work with New Zealand Winegrowers to ensure appropriate support for affected vineyards, including the potential use of Enhanced Taskforce Green,” Mr McClay said. “Many farmers and growers are facing their second clean-up in a fortnight from floods and storm damage. Rural communities are resilient, but the relentless wet weather conditions have taken a toll. This support is designed to provide meaningful and direct assistance quickly.” MPI staff are on the ground working with the Rural Support Trust and industry groups assessing damage and coordinating assistance. “Farmers, foresters and growers will face many, many months of work to repair damage to their land and get their businesses back on track. We will continue to assess what further assistance might be required. “Farmers and growers who need help or assistance should in the first instance contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254,” Mr McClay said.

The post Supporting forestry communities in the Nelson Tasman Region appeared first on Timberbiz.

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by Dr. Radut