Downstream log processing is poorly developed in Uganda, mainly dominated by many small-scale informal sawmills. Timber processing can be a hazardous occupation, with hazards from the use of machinery, handling heavy materials, working at heights and exposure to dust, noise and chemicals, potentially harmful events can happen at any time. Such occupational health risks are expected to be higher in developing countries than in the industrialized countries, mainly due to socioeconomic and political differences. Small-scale sawmillers are usually mainly focused on remaining profitable, and other considerations, such as safety, are not high priority. This report provides expert advice and technical assistance to support forestry officials, sawmill managers and supervisors to acquire skills and knowledge in downstream processing and utilization. It features elements such as hazard identification exercises for wood processing industries in Uganda and identifying hazard reduction measures in wood processing industries. The report focusses on the development of an occupational health and safety strategy for downstream processing in Uganda, with a specific focus on pine sawmilling, as per the focus of the SPGS programme.

Although standards of health and safety are much improved over recent years, sawmilling remains a high-risk industry.This revised guidance comprehensively updates and expands the original Health and safety in sawmilling published in 1997. It takes into account the higher levels of automation introduced into the industry, with the attendant increase in injuries caused by operator interventions. The guidance was produced in close consultation with the industry and represents current good practice.