SafeTree

Our last update for 2017 covers:

• 3 tips to ensure your emergency response plans are up to scratch
• Get to grips with new rules around chemicals
• Front-line leadership training in 2018
• Latest dashboard reflects the rise in injuries this year
• New Resources section on the Safetree website makes things easier to find
• Check out Safetree’s Safe Start-up resource.

From all the team at Safetree, have a great holiday break and we look forward to working with you in 2018.

3 tips to ensure your emergency response plans are up to scratch

A good emergency response plan can stop an accident becoming a fatality.

Here are 3 key things that should be part of every emergency response plan. Check your plan to make sure they’re all in place.

1 – MAKE SURE YOU CAN COMMUNICATE QUICKLY

• Charge radios and phones every night.
• Regularly test locator beacon batteries.
• Remember, GPS co-ordinates for helicopters need to be given in degrees decimal minutes. Any other format could mean delays in the helicopter finding the site.

2 – MAKE SURE EVERYONE KNOWS WHAT TO DO

• Practice your emergency drills at least twice a year.
• Each time you move sites, make sure every crew member knows the location and the names of the roads to get to the site, so they can tell the emergency services.
• People panic in emergencies. So give clear instructions, be decisive and adjust your response to changes.

3 – ALWAYS HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN

• Be prepared in case a helicopter can’t get to you or land on the site.
• Make sure there are enough vehicles available to get people out by road, and that your first-aid kit is fully stocked.
• Know what other crews are working near-by so you can call on them to help out.

Get to grips with new rules around chemicals

Many forestry operations use and store chemicals, so will be affected by new hazardous substances regulations that came into force this month. Information on complying with the new rules is on the WorkSafe website, which includes frequently asked questions.

KEY REQUIREMENTS IN THE REGULATIONS

The new regulations require businesses using hazardous substances to:

• Eliminate the risk where possible:Consider if you still need the substance – or can you get rid of it or substitute it for a safer substance?
• Apply required controls:If you need to keep using the substance, then put in place the safety controls outlined in the regulations and have a safety data sheet to manage it.
• Minimise remaining risk:Look at how any remaining risks can be minimised.
• Monitor the risk:Monitor the performance of your controls.

Front-line leadership training in 2018

The Forest Industry Safety Council is running three courses for existing foremen, up and coming foremen, and H&S Reps. There are 12 places available on each 2-day course.

Find out more or book your place by emailing info@safetree.nz.

• Gisborne, venue TBC: Thursday 1 and Friday 2 February 2018
• Whangarei, venue and dates TBC
• Balclutha, venue TBC, Thursday 22 and Friday 23 March 2018.

Latest dashboard reflects the rise in injuries this year

Safetree’s How Are We Tracking dashboard shows a rise in injuries and fatalities in 2017. However, it also shows encouraging efforts by the industry to reduce harm – including a significant number of contractors expressing an interest in the Safetree Contractor Certification scheme. See the dashboard or find out more about contractor certification. Also see the latest fatality information from Worksafe.

New Resources section on the Safetree website makes things easier to find

Check out the new Resources section of our website. All our guides, facts sheets and videos are now grouped in one place, and you can sort them by topic so it’s easier to find just what you need. View the Resources section.

Check out Safetree’s Safe Start-up resource

Owners and managers looking for good material to use at their company Safe Start-upmeetings in January should check out this resource on building a culture that supports health and safety. See the Safe Start-up resource.