This report looks at the transformations shaping the future of work in forestry. It considers how megatrends such as technological developments,
climate change
, demographic shifts and globalisation are reshaping forests and the nature of
forestry work
. The report asks what impacts, risks and opportunities these transformations might have on the health and safety of forest workers worldwide. It then proposes strategies for ensuring a just, safe and healthy future for all workers in this sector.
The report focuses particularly on three major sources of transformation:
1) Changing forest technologies
The influx of
digital technologies
, machinery and tools (such as
robotics
, AI, satellites) is transforming the ways forest work operates. Digital technologies can be used to improve occupational safety and health. Examples include using virtual simulations to train forestry workers for risk situations, employing GPS to expedite accident responses, using remote controls to enhance the safety of tools and
machines
, deploying
drones
to inspect
labour
conditions and developing digital fatigue detection systems to ensure worker safety.
2)
Climate change
Forestry workers, particularly those working outdoors, are increasingly exposed to occupational injuries and accidents, due to the rise in forest fires and extreme
weather
events. For example, increased heat stress or weather related challenges may exacerbate worker fatigue and impair concentration, making accidents more likely. The report asserts that forest fires, pests and tree diseases will present new challenges that will require forestry workers to have specific skills and equipment.
3) Demographic shifts
Demographic trends are leading to an increase of young forestry workers in some regions of the world and to an ageing forestry workforce in others. There is also an increase in ethnic minorities, migrant workers and women in the forestry sector (with women making up an estimated 25 percent of the global forestry workforce, though women are often over-represented in unpaid and low paying jobs). The report suggests that these demographic shifts will require changes in the sector, such as adapting and pluralising occupational safety and health training, evaluating shift length, and providing appropriate personal protective equipment.
The report offers a series of
policy
and training recommendations aimed at ensuring that future forestry work is part of a just transition that embraces equal opportunities and health and safety for all, including women, Indigenous peoples, migrant workers, young people and others.