An independent safety review panel, set up to identify the causes and contributing factors behind the high accident rate, has completed consultation meetings with forestry owners and workers.
It examined the health and safety structure and culture of the forestry sector, including reviewing health and safety education and training.
The panel found there were underlying issues, including harsh working conditions, fatigue and training opportunities, which were driving the high rates of serious injuries and fatalities.
Any recommendations it makes will include practical measures to reduce the rates.
More than 110 written submissions and 300 responses to a questionnaire were collated by the review panel, which was expected to release recommendations in mid-October.
Ms Kelly said it was important the findings were implemented.
"Already the forest industry is fighting back, and the Government is refusing to regulate," she said.
"The accident rate has been halved already this year due to the pressure on the forest industry by the union campaigning to have safer work practices.
"The industry has shown it can put in safe work places if it is pressured to do so."
A Worksafe New Zealand spokesman confirmed it had begun an investigation into the latest accident.
WorkSafe New Zealand figures show 46 serious injuries had been reported to May, compared with 82 in the same period last year.
Between 2008-2013 there were 967 serious injuries, and 28 fatalities, in the forestry and logging industry.
Labour Minister Simon Bridges said in June the sharp decline in reported serious injuries was encouraging but there was a long way to go to get the industry into safety-first mode.