Corrective Actions – A Reminder

Many thanks to the forest managers who reacted promptly to the corrective actions (non -conformities) raised by the Soil Association auditor in May. All but two of the findings were closed before the audit report was finalised. Evidence to close the last two has now been submitted to Soil Association.

We are sure that most managers of forests certified with UKFCG are aware of the difficulties faced by two other certification groups whose certificates were suspended earlier this year. Suspensions arose when corrective actions were not closed before the given deadlines. UKFCG’s internal surveillance audits follow the same protocols defined in FSC-STD-20-007 Forest Management Evaluations as implemented by Soil Association.

At group level we try to be as flexible as possible, however, to avoid suspension of the group certificates, which would affect all members, we will impose internal suspensions of group members who do not respond in a timely manner to corrective actions that we raise.
There is an important protocol in respect of Minor corrective actions raised during Soil Association audits. If the same failing is repeated elsewhere in subsequent audits during the 5 year certificate cycle, the subject is automatically raised as a Major corrective action for which a maximum deadline for closure of three months is imposed. Failure to close Majors by the deadline will result in certificate suspension – as happened to other groups this year.

Compliance with all aspects of UKWAS, and underlying certification Standards such as FSC’s Pesticides Policy, is a requirement of UKFCG membership. In an effort to reduce the risk of future Major corrective actions arising during Soil Association audits of UKFCG members, here is a list of corrective action subjects which have been raised since 2022.

UKWAS

3.1.1 Overheight timber stacks with no site specific risk assessment (Repeated in 2023 so already at Major status)

4.7.1a Provenance certificates for restocking ASNW/PAWS were not available during the audit

3.4.2 Integrated Pest Management Strategy could not be found for a site using pesticides

5.2.2 Failure to respond and engage in a timely manner to a stakeholder regarding condition of a shared access road. (Arose following a complaint made directly to Soil Association by the stakeholder)

2.15.1d Monitoring plan did not include monitoring of PAWS.

5.2.1 Unsafe high seat

5.2.1 Tree safety survey not carried out on defined timescales of previous report

5.4.1a Warning notices displayed at the goalposts for overhead powerlines did not show the maximum safe height for vehicles passing under the lines and at the harvesting site safety signage was only in place at one end of the road running through the work site.

3.6.1 Waste found on 3 sites – discarded plastic feed sacks in release pen, redundant deer feeder, discarded band tracks, lorry tyre etc.

5.4.1a Risk zone was not marked on the forwarder boom.

FSC-Std-30-005

Timber sales invoice did not display the ‘FSC 100%’ claim (forest manager had correctly instructed the estate office, but the office admin had not included the FSC claim on the invoice. This was raised as a complaint to Soil Association by a third-party Chain of Custody auditor).

We are focusing on the above issues during our round of internal surveillance audits, please let us know if you have any questions, would like more detail or have compliance concerns.

We are here to help

On the Subject of tree safety

Common sense risk management of trees

The National Tree Safety Group (NTSG) have come together to develop nationally recognised guidance on tree-safety management that is proportionate to the actual risk from trees.

They have produced Common sense risk management of trees to bring together national and international guidance on tree hazard assessment and management and tree-related risk.

This is the updated second edition of the publication which includes plenty of helpful guidance. One subject we would like to highlight is Drive-by assessments which we are aware is frequently used by managers of certified forests. See section 6.5.1.4 of the above publication.

UK Forestry Standard 5th edition

The UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) 5th edition was published on 3 Oct 2023 following the completion of an extensive review process. The year long transition period has now come to an end and the UKFS 5th Edition is now in use.

This latest edition, which was updated to reflect changes in legislation, new international agreements and advances in scientific understanding, now replaces all earlier editions.

An e-learning programme developed by ICF has been launched to help industry professionals adapt to the new standard. See the UKFS.

The UKFS is the technical standard for sustainable forest management across the UK, and applies to all woodland, regardless of who owns or manages it.

FISA 808 CDM in Relation to Forestry launched at APF

FISA 808 provides a summary for the Construction Design & Management (CDM) Regulations 2015 and how they apply to forestry-related construction work. The guide provides an interpretation of key terms and phrases used in CDM to help determine when the regulations apply, along with example forestry scenarios and templates. The guide will be reviewed based on feedback in 18 months’ time. Download the new FISA 808 and its eight Annexes here.

In relation to UKWAS: section 1.1.1 requires compliance with the law, 5.4.1a requires conformance with FISA guidance.

New product for Hylobius on its way

For the past six years, Syngenta has been working on the development of a new product to help the forestry industry to address serious issues of Hylobius abietis (large pine weevil) damage. The commercial product has now successfully entered the next stage of the UK registration process, which is due for evaluation in November 2024. Read more.

UKFCG newsletters will let you know as soon as we hear more, we will also be checking the risk level in the hierarchy of FSC’s Highly Hazardous Pesticides list.

Launch of FSC UK’s Impact Investment Fund

Do you have a great idea to promote the benefits of good woodland management or increase the use of responsibly sourced timber? Organisations in the sustainable forestry / timber sectors can apply for grants of up to £50,000.

Forest Haulage – on and off site

Forestry sites are high risk sites, you need to ensure that all contractors and drivers visiting sites understand the company/site policies and procedures, particularly for Health and Safety, prestart planning, lines of communication and the penalties and risks for failing to follow instructions – all before they should be able to enter the site.

An induction should be provided to all drivers who do not regularly work on the site. They are at no lesser risk of an incident occurring because they visit the site just once. If anything, they could be more at risk due to several reasons including unfamiliarity with the site, inexperience, not understanding potential risks, lack of awareness or an inability to spot hazards.

Details that you might include:

  • How are the routes laid out?
  • Who runs the site/ who is their site contact?
  • What are the hazards/risks?
  • What can drivers do to mitigate these risks?
  • Do visiting drivers need personal protective equipment?
  • Do they know where the first aid equipment is kept?
  • How should they report faults or hazards?
  • How should the driver operate their vehicle once on site?
  • What are the speed limits?
  • What site processes should they be aware of/areas to keep away from/ risk zones for other works on site?
  • How should accidents and near misses be logged?

FISA publish the series of driver videos, which can be used as part of your induction. Please take the opportunity to use these videos and to share them with those you engage on your sites.

Compliance with UKWAS applies to all workers in certified forests

Make sure you have work instructions with map of work area, risk assessments, emergency plans, certificates of competence including up to date first aid training, evidence of insurance, pre-commencement meeting and operational monitoring.

During UKFCG audits we have found documentation associated with harvesting, planting and pesticides applications is generally all present and correct.  Ancillary operations often have missing documents, please ensure you have everything required for UKWAS compliance for e.g. Deer control, ground preparation, road and engineering works, fencing, maintenance works such as ride mowing/strimming.  Hauliers on site are also required to comply with certification requirements e.g. wearing appropriate PPE and have access to spill kits and first aid equipment.

Welcome to new members now certified with UKFCG since the last listings:

  • Watermeetings
  • Rokison Woodlands
  • New Craig Wood West
  • Avondale
  • Reay Forest
  • Nant yr Eira
  • Baddhu Forest
  • Auchencairn
  • Coille Beithe East