This post includes a blog on mechanised harvesting; an invite to our regional workshops with Dr Tom; other upcoming events; the latest certified contractors.
Without a doubt, mechanised harvesting has improved safety in forestry. Putting a person in a cab can be much safer than putting them in a hard-hat. But to make the most of the safety advantages of mechanisation we need to manage the risks associated with this kind of work.
Some of these risks were highlighted in recent Safety Alerts from WorkSafe. Other issues contactors and crews have raised with me recently are the potential for mechanisation to lead to increased work pressures and long hours. Machine operators can also become socially isolated if they work alone day after day.
It’s really important that the industry talks about these issues, and how we can make sure they don’t erode the significant safety and production benefits of mechanisation. If you’ve got ideas on how we can do this, get in touch with me so we can share them through Safetree.nz.
See the latest WorkSafe Safety Alerts
Fiona Ewing, National Safety Director, FISC ( Forest Industry Safety Council).
You’re invited to these free workshops for people working in forestry.
Dr Tom is an emergency department doctor who’s hosted TV and radio shows. He’s now touring New Zealand, talking to forestry workers about their physical health and mental wellbeing.
These workshops are a chance to get on top of ‘health villains’ like diabetes, smoking and cancer. Dr Tom will also talk about healthier ways of thinking that help people solve problems and deal with ‘bad days’.
These workshops are brought to you by the Forest Industry Safety Council, which runs Safetree, in partnership with FICA. They’re also a chance to find out about the work being done by FISC and FICA.
RSVP to info@safetree.nz with your name, how many people you’re bringing, and the location of the event you will attend.
Gisborne: Tues, 12 June; 2.30pm-5.30pm; Gisborne Cosmopolitan Club, 190 Derby Street
Napier: Wed, 13 June; 8.30am-11.30am; East Pier Hotel, 50 Nelson Quay, Ahuriri
Stratford: Thur, 21 June; 8am-11am; TET Stadium, 1 Elliot St
Whanganui: Fri, 22 June; 10am-1pm; Kingsgate Hotel, 379 Victoria Ave
Greymouth: Tues, 3 July; 10.30am-1.30pm; Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth, 32 Mawhera Quay
Invercargill: Wed, 4 July; 9am-12 noon; Ascot Park Hotel, Corner Tay St & Racecourse Rd
Balclutha: Wed, 4 July; 2.30pm-5.30pm; Rosebank Lodge, 265 Clyde St
Kaiapoi: Thur, 5 July; 1pm-4pm; Kaiapoi Club, 113 Raven Quay
Timaru: Fri, 6 July; 8.30am-11.30am; Timaru Town & Country Club, 99 Douglas St
Nelson: Mon, 16 July; 1.30pm-4.30pm; Club Waimea, 345 Queen St
Blenheim: Tues, 17 July; 9am-12 noon; Club Marlborough, 42 Alfred St
Masterton: Thurs, 26 July; 1pm-4pm; Copthorne Hotel, High St, Solway
Download the flyer for these events (PDF 155KB)
Other Safetree-sponsored industry events coming up are:
Safetree’s supporting these events in Dargaville, Whangarei and Kaitaia on 16-17 May.
Read more (PDF 1.8MB)
Find out more about the Learning Review approach at these events in Christchurch.
Congratulations to our latest group of certified contractors:
There are now 13 certified contractors on the Safetree register.
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