Forces or actions that are applied to a structure and must be considered in its design. In timber construction, action loads include dead loads (permanent/static, such as the weight of the structure itself), live loads (temporary/movable, like occupants or furniture), wind loads, snow loads, earthquake forces, and other environmental or accidental actions. Structural engineers assess these loads to ensure the safety, stability, and performance of timber buildings in accordance with the Australian Standards and the National Construction Code (NCC).