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Widespread focus on forestry workers' safety is needed.
Syd Keepa is shocked at the latest death of a man in Wairau yesterday,
and the number of forestry deaths in recent years.
Simon Bridges says there are many issues to address
in the forestry industry.
Mr Bridges says the government has increased its response,
but he hopes the industry itself does the same.
Although some operators have been closed down,
Mr Keepa doesn't think it's enough to keep workers safe.
The problem is many forestry workers are not signed up to a union.
Some operators have been prosecuted for non-compliance
and it's expected there'll be more,
but it's not known if that will help to avoid more forestry deaths.
Irena Smith, Te Karere.