Truck safety features make the job a lot safer

A leading Monaro business has recently taken delivery of truck and trailer combinations fitted with some exciting new features that will make their operation a lot safer. 

Monaro Logging has purchased new Kenworth trucks and Kennedy trailers to work on the softwood export operation between the Bombala plateau and Eden wharf. 

Forests NSW, Truck Safety Project manager, Andrew Nicholls, said this purchase further demonstrated Monaro Logging’s long-term commitment to safety and interest in truck stability in the log transport industry.

He said the new safety features were very important because drivers would be working in a two-shift operation carrying logs along the Imlay Road, which involves a drop of 1000 meters in elevation.

"The folding trailers have been designed to get the load as low a possible. This means the trailer chassis and suspensions systems have been designed together, improving truck stability," he said.

"Another feature is the air-ratchet self tensioners that hold the load securely. Quite apart from being a quick way to strap down the load, they also reduce risk of shoulder strain injuries." 

Mr Nicholls said unrestrained logs increased the threat of logs being lost onto the roadway behind the truck. "Auto tensioning devices lock the logs in tight from the moment the compressed air tensioning system is turned on, until the truck is unstrapped at the end of a trip," he said.

Gary Kennedy from Kennedy Trailers at Bairnsdale said building these trailers was challenging as the truck had to be designed so it could quickly be set up for either three or five bays of wood.   

"It is pleasing to see a long-standing forestry company like Monaro Logging taking steps in business that also have good safety benefits," he said. 

Directors of Monaro Logging, David and Ian Nuttall, said they saw risks they felt could be controlled by design and equipment considerations. 

"Folding trailers were never doubted; and we took the opportunity to add some new features that we have been thinking about for a while," Ian Nuttall said. 

"Another feature this truck has is an Electronic Braking System, which helps the loaded truck maintain stability, particularly in cornering. All these features combine to allow us, our driver and forestry to rest a whole lot better at night."

The Truck Safety Group within Forests NSW has been set-up to increase safety awareness in log transport in the industry. 

In the past four months this safety message has been discussed with more than 300 drivers and haulage business representatives across the state. 

For more information on the project contact Andrew Nicholls on 0407 298 349.