Gisborne District Council member Manu Caddie says a high number of deaths and serious injuries in the local forestry industry is hurting the community and cannot continue.
Mr Caddie organised a public meeting last week to discuss the local health and safety performance in the forestry sector. He said there have been three deaths in the Wharerata forests in the past two years.
Mr Caddie said a lot of pressure is being placed on forestry workers and he has seen one contract that was for 90 hours per week, not including travel time.
He said he supports a call by the the Council of Trade Unions for an independent inquiry into health and safety in the forestry industry.
Forest Owners Association chief executive David Rhodes said the industry realises a lot more work needs to be done to make forestry a safer place to work.
Mr Rhodes said the industry has revamped its health and safety code and continues to work closely with the Government to improve safety.
