Safetree launches industry-first Forest Manager Certification
Forest management companies can now independently demonstrate their commitment to health and safety leadership through a new certification programme launched by Safetree.
The Forest Manager Certification programme has been developed to recognise forest management companies that have the leadership, systems and operational discipline needed to manage risk effectively and support safe, productive forestry operations.
Safetree Certification Manager Mark Preece says while forestry contractors have long had access to certification programmes, this is the first Safetree certification specifically developed for forest management companies.
"Forest managers play a critical role in influencing safety performance across the contracting chain. This programme recognises that leadership role and provides independent assurance that robust systems are in place and working effectively."
How it works
Built around the internationally recognised Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model, the certification combines a detailed review of company systems and supporting evidence with interviews and field-based discussions.
Assessment focuses on three key areas:
• Leadership - visible leadership, accountability and effective coordination across contractors and subcontractors.
• Risk Management - identification of critical risks and the practical controls used to manage them in the field.
• Worker Engagement - how workers participate in communication, reporting, learning and continuous improvement.
Importantly, the programme goes beyond basic compliance by examining whether health and safety is genuinely embedded in day-to-day operations, rather than just written in policies and procedures.
"The programme is not only about providing recognition for strong management systems," says Preece.
"It's about helping companies identify opportunities for improvement. And early assessments have highlighted practical opportunities for forest managers to pick up on, in areas like technology adoption, emergency management, lone-worker controls, leadership capability and contractor assurance processes. These can all make a real difference to standards in our industry."
Laurie Forestry's experience
Christchurch-based Laurie Forestry was among the companies that participated in the successful pilot phase of the programme.
Managing director Allan Laurie says it was attracted by the opportunity to benchmark its systems and demonstrate its commitment to health and safety.
"We thought this was an important space for us to get into. What came of it was a really thorough deep dive by an independent party looking at our business and all of its elements - policies, settings, questioning why we do what we do and how we do it.
“And this caused a lot of thinking within our business and allowed us to fine tune some of what we do."
Laurie says the process was well received by staff and prompted valuable reflection. He encourages other forest managers to take part and believes certification will become a valuable way of demonstrating capability and professionalism to clients and forest owners.
"We're now a (Safetree) Certified Forest Manager with the Forest Industry Safety Council, and that's a far higher bar, and it's an industry-specific bar to reach. And people understand and recognise that as a qualification."
Growing range of certification options
The launch of the Forest Manager Certification follows the recent introduction of Safetree's Canopy Class Certification, which recognises forestry contractors demonstrating excellence in health and safety.
Preece says the two programmes complement one another by recognising and encouraging strong health and safety performance throughout the forestry supply chain.
"Together, they provide a clear pathway for continuous improvement and help strengthen safety leadership across the industry."
Companies interested in learning more about the Safetree Forest Manager Certification Programme or Canopy Class Certification can contact Mark Preece.
Safer people. Stronger businesses. A more sustainable forestry industry.
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