Timber Yard Safety Certification

About Course

Timber Yard Safety is a practical online training course designed for workers, supervisors, and business owners operating in timber yards, firewood yards, sawmills, and forestry processing environments. This course introduces essential health and safety principles, including key legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and applies them directly to real-world timber yard settings.

You’ll learn how to identify and manage common hazards, carry out effective risk assessments, use machinery safely, prevent accidents, and respond to emergencies. With focused modules on manual handling, dust and noise exposure, fire safety, site traffic management, and more, this course helps promote a safety-first culture that protects both people and productivity.

Whether you’re new to timber yard work or want to refresh your safety knowledge, this course provides the foundational skills needed to work confidently and responsibly in high-risk wood processing environments.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Your legal duties under UK health and safety law

  • How to conduct timber yard-specific risk assessments

  • Best practices for PPE, manual handling, and equipment use

  • Fire, dust, noise, and vehicle hazard management

  • How to report incidents and respond to emergencies

Includes: End-of-course quiz, completion certificate, and downloadable safety resources.

Perfect For: Timber yard workers, firewood processors, arborists, forestry contractors, and managers responsible for site safety.

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What Will You Learn?

  • This course provides practical, no-nonsense safety training for anyone working in or managing timber yards. Covering legal duties, risk assessments, machinery safety, fire prevention, and emergency response, it’s designed to reduce accidents and build a stronger, safety-first culture in the workplace.

Course Content

Introduction to Timber Yard Safety
This module sets the stage for the course by exploring why safety is critical in timber yards. You'll get an overview of common hazards, who the course is designed for, and what to expect from the lessons ahead. Whether you're new to yard work or just need a refresher, this module helps you understand the importance of putting safety first.

  • Introduction to Timber Yard Safety
  • Why Safety Matters

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
In this module, you'll learn about the key UK legislation that underpins workplace safety — The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. You'll discover the legal duties of both employers and employees, and how these responsibilities apply in timber yard environments. It's the foundation of all safe working practices.

Risk Assessment and Hazard Control
Before any job begins in a timber yard, it’s crucial to understand the risks involved. In this module, you’ll learn what a risk assessment is, how to spot hazards specific to timber environments, and how to control those risks effectively using simple, structured methods. By the end of this section, you’ll know how to apply risk assessments in real-world scenarios and use the Hierarchy of Control to make your yard a safer place for everyone.

Safe Working Practices
Working safely isn’t just about avoiding accidents — it’s about building daily habits that protect you, your team, and your business. This module covers core safe working practices for timber yards, including machine use, manual handling, PPE, and housekeeping. Whether you're stacking logs or operating machinery, these basics make all the difference.

Noise and Dust in the Timber Yard
Timber yards are noisy, dusty places — and while it might seem like part of the job, long-term exposure can cause serious health problems. This module looks at how to control risks from noise and wood dust, understand your legal responsibilities, and protect your hearing, lungs, and long-term wellbeing.

Fire Safety in Timber Environments
Timber yards are packed with flammable materials — from sawdust and logs to oils and fuel. In this module, you'll learn how to identify fire risks, store materials safely, and respond quickly in the event of a fire. We'll also cover fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and fire prevention systems specific to timber operations.

Vehicle and Machinery Movement Safety
Vehicles and machinery are essential in timber yards — but they’re also among the biggest risks. In this module, you’ll learn how to manage moving plant safely, control pedestrian traffic, reduce the risk of collisions, and ensure machinery is operated and maintained correctly. The goal: keep everyone moving safely.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Response
Accidents, near misses, and emergencies can happen — even in well-managed timber yards. This module covers how to respond effectively when something goes wrong, how to report incidents, and why a clear emergency plan can make all the difference. You’ll also learn what you need to know about RIDDOR and first aid requirements in the workplace.

Timber Yard Culture & Responsibilities
Safety isn’t just about rules — it’s about mindset. This module focuses on how to build a strong safety culture in your timber yard, where everyone takes ownership, speaks up, and works together. You’ll also learn about leadership roles, team communication, and how to keep safety standards high every day.