Fiona’s blog
What a year it’s been! Hopefully, we’re not going to have another one like this.
I’m really proud of the work we’ve done in 2020. In particular, I’m proud of the way the industry worked together to create and implement forestry’s Covid-19 safe-working protocols.
We’re continuing to work with the industry and government to make sure forestry is as prepared as it can be for any resurgence in the virus.
I’m also proud of the milestone we’ve just hit. Congratulations to Inta-Wood Forestry Ltd – our 250th Safetree Certified Contractor and the 35th silviculture contractor to become certified.
Certification recognises the growing professionalism of our forestry contractors and workers. See the links below to find out more about certification, or to find a certified contractor.
The certification scheme is now three years old. So, we are reviewing it and we’re running a workshop in Wellington on January 21, 2021 to get industry input.
We want as many people as possible to come along to have their say and help us improve the scheme, to make sure it suits the industry’s needs. See the invite to this workshop below.
Next year our Toroawhi, Richard and Wade, will continue to be out and about visiting sites, and supporting businesses and crews to improve worker engagement. If you want to get in touch with Richard and Wade see their contact details below.
Another focus area for us in 2021 will be mechanisation, and controlling the new risks machinery can bring into a workplace.
See below a link to information from WorkSafe about a recent initiative involving haulers. Inadequate guarding, a lack of assessment and management of risks, and inadequate walkways and railings are among the issues identified by WorkSafe as part of this initiative.
Also see a link to our latest health and safety performance dashboard to September 2020. We’ll be doing further work in 2021 to improve the timeliness of this data.
I hope you enjoy the Christmas break. And remember to take time to get yourself and others ‘work-fit’ when you come back in January.
If you’re looking for resources for a Safe-Start event see our Daily Debrief resource below. It explains the benefits of doing a quick debrief when work finishes to recognise the successful work that has been done and to help set things up right for the next day.
Meri Kirihimete
Fiona
Watch Fiona’s Christmas message on video
Visit the Safetree Certified Contractor Register
Find out more about certification
See the invitation to the Contractor Certification Review workshop
Contact our Toroawhi: richard@safetree.nz (Central North Island); wade@safetree.nz (Gisborne/Tairāwhiti)
WorkSafe assessment of haulers
Leave a Reply