Why a strong regulator matters
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Joe's blog
Huge strides have been made over the last decade in improving health and safety in the forestry industry - there's no doubt about that. But we all know there's still plenty of work to be done. And our industry regulator WorkSafe has a significant role to play in helping to make that happen.
Having a strong regulator is important to our industry. A regulator that is not just seen as focused solely on enforcement action, but one that is proactive in providing guidance, influencing leadership to improve safety, and promoting targeted interventions.
That’s why we welcome the Government’s move to refocus WorkSafe from an enforcement agency to one that also works to support businesses and individuals in managing their critical risks. Having WorkSafe take on more of a guidance role in improving safety at work, in addition to their enforcement work, has long been on our wish list. Exactly how this will play out on the ground remains to be seen, but we will be watching these developments carefully.
See the Government announcements.
New Safetree manual felling videos a hit
Safetree’s new videos for manual fellers have proven a hit on our TikTok and Facebook accounts, drawing tens of thousands of views.
With manual felling still forestry’s biggest critical risk area, accounting for more fatalities than any other task, Safetree was keen to create resources showcasing best practice in this highly skilled area.
Teaming up with Tairāwhiti Timber Training’s managing director, Alan Paulson, and Safetree Certified Faller Benjamin Hohepa, a series of videos focusing on key aspects of safe manual felling is now available and able to be shared widely.
Alan and Ben run through the Five-Step Felling Plan, along with offering their tips and tricks for managing fatigue in the forest. This includes smart equipment switches such as using lighter, smaller ported saws and longer, lighter bars, swapping four-pound hammers for axes and reducing work hours to increase safety and productivity.
The videos can be found on the Safetree TikTok and Facebook pages, as well as on the
Safetree website (Five-Step Felling Plan and managing fatigue).
Approved Code of Practice Update
Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) reviews could be led by industry in future, Minister Brooke van Velden has announced.
The Workplace Relations and Safety Minister’s announcement is short on detail, but it is understood that legislation will not be introduced until the end of 2025 and not enacted until 2026.
The process for change would then be clarified, however, it is still likely to require engagement with the regulator, who would remain responsible for enforcement.
FISC views this as a positive move and is keen to be involved with this development once there is more clarity around the process for it.
Consideration was given to stalling the current Safe Practice for Forestry and Harvesting Operations ACoP review. However, given considerable work has already gone into this, and positive changes made, it will continue moving forward.
Industry feedback to WorkSafe on this included a need for more clarity on how the foundational issues of usability, style, and format of the current draft will be addressed before taking a deeper dive into the technical content.
FISC supported this, while acknowledging that important edits have already been made including referencing industry best practice guides, the need for external certification such as Safetree, and applying comprehensive risk assessment and management processes when new innovations are introduced.
The public consultation is now complete and the final edits are being made. The next step is sign-off from the minister.
Forestry Sector Leads Co-ordinating Committee
FISC continues to participate in the WorkSafe organised Sector Leads Co-ordinating Committee, alongside the Forestry Industry Contractors Association, the NZ Farm Forestry Association, and the Forest Owners Association. Recent meetings have focused on the Approved Code of Practice process.
This is an important forum for us to engage with the regulator (WorkSafe) and share our respective goals, objectives and areas of common interest.
FISC Strategic Goals 2025 to 2030
The FISC Council undertook a strategic reset in February this year and produced a set of newly stated strategic goals. These goals include:
1. Increaing the competency of industry participants.
2. Upskilling the workforce.
3. Exerting wider influence across the supply chain.
4. Reducing the impact of work-related forestry injuries on Māori.
5. Implementing a sustainable operating model, funding and structure for FISC.
You can find more detail about each goal in the image below.
Wenita Funding a Welcome Boost
FISC chief executive Joe Akari was approached in March by Dave Cormack of Otago-based Wenita Forest Products.
Cormack acknowledged the health and safety work FISC has been doing in the forestry sector and proposed to sponsor our organisation, which we gratefully accepted.
Following discussions around our shared interests, it was agreed the sponsorship will be targeted at:
1. The IRIS Database (Incident Reporting and Information System)
2. The Safetree Certification Programme
3. Guidance Development – Best Practice Guide
FISC will be able to move forward with several initiatives as a result of this support, and we are grateful to Wenita and New Forests, a part-owner, for this significant sponsorship.
Become a WorkSafe Health and Safety Inspector
WorkSafe inspectors play a key role in influencing work health and safety in Aotearoa.
The role is varied, and at times can be challenging, but WorkSafe will set you up well, with all the training you need, a clear development pathway, and ongoing support from your manager and team.
Experience or knowledge of the forestry industry would be highly advantageous.
WorkSafe have a video available to give you more of a flavour of the role.
Learn more about WorkSafe's health and safety inspectors and apply now or email newinspector@worksafe.govt.nz if you have any questions.
(Posted on behalf of WorkSafe)
Nominations for CNIWC Good Deed Award Open Soon
Safetree is excited to be sponsoring the Good Deed Award again this year at the upcoming Central North Island Wood Council Forestry Awards being held at the Energy Events Centre in Rororua on Friday 31 October.
Last year’s winner was Mereana (Min) Tobenhouse, (Fast Harvesting Ltd.)
Nominations for the Good Deed Award open Tuesday 1 July, and close Sunday 31 August.
Keep an eye on the CNIWC website when nominations open.