September 2020
| $7.20
H G HI E D I W & ming the newcomers co ISSN 1176-0397
Wel
Thumbs up to mechanised planting
They’re jogging for logging
A NEW DAY.
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TRACTA_JCF63265 _NZ_Forestry_LM
contents SEPTEMBER 2020
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FOREST TALK Keep safety top of mind in lockdown; Cannabis referendum raises questions; Automated log tagging project underway; Methyl bromide deadline waived; Don’t ignore powerline risk; Focus on mechanised and aerial planting; Fonterra fires up first wood pellet fuelled plant; First citywide renewable energy heating system for NZ; A little courtesy goes a long way; Converting data into decisions; Specialty timber sector in the spotlight; New Tigercat H-series skidders impress; Tough-built processing head; Why isn’t NZ using more paper-based packaging?. SHAW’S WIRE ROPES IRON TEST Among the first Sanys to go to work in New Zealand are a pair of machines
26 working with a central North Island logging crew run by Tokoroa-based Fast Logging. We travelled to a Eucalyptus block just north of Taupo to conduct an Iron Test on Fast Logging’s latest loaders. 26
SILVICULTURE: MECHANISED PLANTING When Timberlands first considered trialling mechanised planting in Kaingaroa Forest, it was with some trepidation. “But if not us, then who in New Zealand would trial this technology? We needed to have an open mind about the potential of mechanised planting and to be involved with its development,” says Timberlands Operations Manager, Ben Dixon. The results are impressive.
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WORKER WELLNESS: JOGGING FOR LOGGING When Gisborne forestry worker, Wade Brunt, decided to get healthy in mind and body, he quickly realised his mates were struggling with similar problems. Unlike so many of us, he acted on his good intentions and Jogging for Logging was born.
DEPARTMENTS 2 editorial 40 fica 42 top spot 44 new iron 47 classifieds
September 2020 | NZ LOGGER 1
from the editor
Welco
Thumbs up to mechanised planting
They’re jogging for logging
Time for an overhaul
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H IGHDE I comers & W w ming the ne ISSN 1176-0397
PHOTO: JOHN ELLEGARD
September 2020
Fast Logging’s Mike ‘Smiley’ Alexander is enjoying his new Sany workhorse. Turn to this month’s Iron Test to find out why.
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HE WORD ON EVERYONE’S LIPS AT THE MOMENT IS LOCKDOWN. As Auckland powers down to Level 3 and the rest of the country heads back to Level 2, the forestry industry once again holds its breath. Despite the early difficulties, the industry bounced back strong the first time around and with a bit of luck and a lot of awareness, this second knock doesn’t have to take a higher toll. As we go to print, Coronavirus cases are decreasing and we can only hope this second wave is no more than a ripple. Meanwhile though, it’s not only our rugby players struggling to get travel exemptions. Logging contractors with staff needing to cross the Auckland borders are taking strain. Exemptions are taking up to 10 days, and while we know it’s for a good cause, at the end of the day, for a small business it’s a little more than frustrating. If the trend continues as it is, by the time you hold this magazine in your hands, lockdown in the Auckland region may well be winding down. Until that happens, take note of the correct safety Protocols. You can find them all on the Safetree website. See our Forest Talk pages for the link. The planting season also took a step back as it was delayed thanks to COVID-19, but it’s in full swing now and looks to end strong. Last month we took a look at the difficult, yet rewarding world of manual planting. This month, it’s all about the machines. The mechanised planting trials at Kaingaroa Forest have proven their worth and the machines are now going full steam ahead on appropriate terrain. Many may question if this marks the end of manual planting, but those in the know insist it’s more about better utilisation of the labour force than competition. Turn to our feature on mechanised planting to learn more. It’s not just planting that’s getting an overhaul. A group of loggers down in Gisborne have taken it upon themselves to get fit and healthy. It’s no accident they went down this route. One man took the brave first step towards physical and mental health and wellbeing, and others followed. It’s not only enriched their own lives but that of their whānau too. It’s a reminder too, not to take your health for granted on any level and to reach out for help and share your problems if you’re struggling, particularly in these unusual times. After all, a problem shared is a problem halved. Until next time, stay safe. NZL
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Komatsu 875 & 895 Komatsu Forest have maintained a very strong market position with their two most popular forwarders being the Komatsu 875 (16 tonne) which really compliments the 895 (20 tonne). These two current models have been further refined to meet expectations and to cover all the contractors’ extraction requirements with the latest developments in these key areas. • New transmission system for greater traction and control. • Improved crane performance with a large bunk area. • Introducing Maxifleet to provide the ultimate service and production tool. • New electric engine hood and new access panels for much improved serviceability • Stylish and modern cab with central locking and remote key. The latest Komatsu forwarders have been taken to another level in lifting the overall standards for forwarding which make them the best in their class.
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This Sany SY305H is equipped with a larger-than-normal Ensign 2430 grapple.
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September 2020 | NZ LOGGER 15
www.fica.org.nz
Stepping up Contractor Certification Just under a year ago we came out to the industry with an article about contractor certification. At that time we celebrated that we had seen a significant increase in participation over the two years since it was launched in 2018 and at that time there were 175 contractors certified. That uptake has continued, and we report that now 233 contractors have certification, with some of the early adopters going through their second audit which is something to be very proud of as an industry. With this type of industry certification scheme though, there is only one way that it will retain its status and that is to continually step it up and build on the great work and practices of those that are supporting it. For these reasons, FISC has continued to build up the modules and this year, as well as focusing on leadership, worker engagement and risk management (these are the fundamentals that we always look at), the new environmental module has been implemented and is available for adoption. In addition, the health and wellbeing module is close to completion with the KYND APP modifications and improvements rolling out next month. The system has also been modified for forest management company audits which will give another sector group the ability to certify their operations. The third module that is on the radar to develop up is the business capability area and there are a number of courses that will be on offer to contractors leading into 2021 around leadership, negotiation and workplace wellbeing. In conjunction with all this work developing new modules, FISC has gone out to the market to request proposals for new technology support which could mean a change to the platform that is being used. As part of this proposal, consideration for including worker certification and incident reporting is on the wish list. I think it is timely in this article to do a reminder of the independent Forestry Safety Review from 2014 as this was when FISC was established to take up the challenges that were posed in the industry. The certification scheme was one initiative designed to focus on some of the solutions. Though the structure of the forestry industry had enabled rapid growth, it had led to some issues especially the mandatory standards for health and safety that were not consistent across the sector. The need for system-wide change may have surprised some when the report was released. The multiple layers of ownership and contractual relationships had resulted in a lack of coordinated leadership on safety issues. Poor communication between government and industry and across the different levels of the industry’s supply chain were obvious and at worker level, there was little or no communication between crews which resulted in the sector not speaking with one voice and some within the industry with no voice. Competing economic tensions had resulted in a dangerous blame culture and a weak safety culture. The review highlighted that Health & Safety was a cost of doing business and improved safety and productivity go handin- hand. Too many workers are expected to be productive from day one, and too many are left to their own devices too soon. It is unacceptable to say that there is insufficient money or resources to achieve better outcomes to build that experience and develop judgement. It is important to focus on training and focus on communication, team building and leadership
Prue Younger, CEO Prue Younger, CEOMessage Message
for supervisors. FICA was keen at the time to explore such a certification scheme that would allow contractors to leverage off the benefits from the new obligations on persons conducting a business or undertaking in the Reform Bill for HSWA. The drive to change to a “can do safely” culture meant the change had to be led by forest owners and managers, by marketers, forestry contractors and crew bosses. The failures extended all the way through the supply chain and the need for a charter of a pledge from industry leaders to commit to this action for change was suggested. The follow up review in 2018 confirmed that FISC further develops and updates the Forestry Safety Charter and promotes it as a way for individual companies and/or supply chains to demonstrate their leadership and formalise their commitments. Managing overlapping duties is a key feature of the HSWA and relies on excellent consultation, cooperation and coordination of activities. Some relationships are still adversarial and front-line supervisors do not all have the skills to engage their workers effectively. Forest owners and contractors are reminded to focus on their PCBU responsibilities. FISC is now reviewing the opportunity to develop up progressive tiers to the system recognising all aspects, from compliance to competence. The latter being the ideal model where a contractor will build it into their culture so it becomes a part of their daily habit. The model being suggested is a Cultural Maturity Model that will: • Develop commitment • Realise the importance of frontline staff • Engage everyone in improving the business • Move from compliance thinking to resilient organisations Cultural Growth SCC Level 3 Learning Culture
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The success of the implementation of the Contractor Certification has certainly come a long way in a short time but we know certification is an integration of safety into successful work rather than a focus on “compliance”. FICA continues to promote the value of taking up certification to the membership, ensuring you know how well you are holistically operating your business, a chance to assess how you compare to others and how you can keep ahead of the game. We know that just over 65% of our members are certified so we have a way to go and more forest owners are adopting the Safetree Contactor Certification as their auditing tool and making it compulsory to their own contractors. It is not something that will stay static but continue to build and reflect what is current and relevant in the environment across all facets of a business.
SWEENEY TOWNSEND HAS BEEN A PROUD AND LONGSTANDING SUPPORTER OF FICA AND WILL REMAIN A STRATEGIC PARTNER NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE. Over recent months we have worked tirelessly to support its forestry contractors and log transport operators to get through the effects of Covid-19 on their insurances. When lockdown was announced our forestry broking team was still on the job here in the office as an essential service, contacting clients to initiate the process for “laid-up” cover and organising the resulting premium reduction for the relevant period with insurers. Now the vast majority of our clients have now returned to work and hopefully the log markets will settle, but the forestry industry may still see some instability in the interim.
When looking at your insurances you need to make sure that your coverage is fit for purpose and that it is specifically designed to cater for your business. A policy should be targeted to support your business in the most beneficial way - whether you are a hauler or have ground-based operations - as your needs may differ significantly. For most in the logging sector insurance is a major component of your annual operating costs, so please do not hesitate to call us for an insurance “warrant of fitness check” as it costs you nothing to have Sweeney Townsend review what you have in place and provide a second opinion.
CONTACT SWEENEY TOWNSEND TO DISCUSS YOUR UNIQUE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS TODAY
www.sweeneytownsend.co.nz 0800 55 54 53
Sponsor Profile Thank you to all of the organisations who support FICA, which in turn works to promote business growth and improved safety and efficiency amongst forestry contractors for the benefit of New Zealand’s Forestry Industry.
Strategic Partners
Business Partners
Gold Partners
To join, call: 0800 342 269
www.fica.org.nz
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