Certification Update July
In this Certification update, we're focusing in on Tailgate meetings, including changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act and accessing free tailgate resource downloads on the Safetree website.
In this Certification update, we're focusing in on Tailgate meetings, including changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act and accessing free tailgate resource downloads on the Safetree website. Plus, if you have the possibility of work through Council or Downers, Safetree Certified Contractors can register at Totika and be prequalified for the health and safety requirements of a number of organisations nationwide. As always, please reach out to me at any time. Thanks for reading.
John Lowe, Safetree Certification Manager
021 164 8036
There have been a few changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act...
Recent tweaks to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 mean all companies must initiate a health and safety representative election if requested by a worker, and must establish a health and safety committee if requested by a health and safety representative (HSR) or by five or more workers. More information can be found here.
As most of us know, tailgate meetings are the best way to involve the entire crew in health and safety. Talking about the days work ahead gets people engaged and focused on having a safe productive day and make sure everyone has their head in the game. So these changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act are a good reminder to look at your Tailgates with fresh eyes. We have a number of free Tailgate resources available on the Safetree website, including a template for running a tailgate meeting and a range of talking topic cards. See the cards
If you have some great tailgate stories or tips, we would love you to share them. Please send them to us at certification@safetree.nz.
Totika prequalification
We know it’s a tough market at the moment after the cyclones and the log price downturn. A number of Contractors have secured work for various Councils or companies like Downers as part of the cleanup. Safetree Certified Contractors can register at Totika and be prequalified for the health and safety requirements of a number of organisations nationwide. It can save a lot of time and hassle.
Safety Alerts
Sharing Safety Alerts is a great way of helping everyone working in forestry. If you have a safety alert or even a safety tip that works well, please let us know. We can put your name in lights or keep you anonymous - whichever you prefer. If you had one safety tip for forestry, what would it be? Email us at certification@safetree.nz
Timberlands joins certification
Timberlands have announced all their harvesting contractors to be transitioning to Safetree Certification. For New Zealand’s largest forest manager to commit to Safetree is great news. They join a growing number of forest owners and managers who are committed to Safetree, and we have a pipeline on other announcements coming.
Support for businesses affected by storms
FICA is collating business support available for contractors and workers, including help for forestry businesses from Ministry of Social Development and IRD. See FICA resources
Certification Helpdesk - open 7am - 8pm for the next two weeks
We know it can be hard to find time during the day to sort out admin. If you have any Safetree Certification issues or questions you want resolving, you can call us anytime between 7am - 8pm for the next 2 weeks on 0800 SAFE 123 (0800 7233 123). You can also email us anytime on certification@safetree.nz.