BUSINESS NEWS
Storm resilience training for your horticultural business By Matt Ross Storm damage is an ongoing threat to the welfare of horticultural business throughout Victoria. In June 2021, a number of NGIV member businesses received significant damages to their properties and many were unable to continue operating due to power outages, stock, infrastructure, water damage and crop loss. One member nursery received $200,000 worth of damage. Numerous large trees came down damaging poly tunnels, the shade-house, drainage, irrigation systems, vents, stock and more. They were also without phones and internet for several days, which meant no sales or dispatch, and temporary closure.
‘Even though I’ve been using a chainsaw all my life, I learnt so much during the course, and only now appreciate I wasn’t using it in a safe or efficient fashion. Since the course I’ve been using the chainsaw to manage trees which were encroaching on our crops,’ enthused John.
Horticultural businesses are then faced with the lengthy and potentially costly clean up in the aftermath of a storm. Businesses will sometimes tackle felled trees themselves with a chainsaw in a bid to get up and running.
And it’s not just businesses who see the sense in receiving accredited training in chainsaw use. Mitchell Shire Council started a community program to develop a ‘Storm Resilience’ training group, now in its second year of running up at the beautiful Tallarook State Forest. Women from rural properties undertook DNA Training’s a 3-day ‘Storm Resilience’ training course to learn how to use a chainsaw and chipper safely, as well as vital first aid skills.
However, it’s vital that chainsaws are used in a safe and proper fashion and without receiving accredited training it’s always a risk to the health and safety of the operator. And that’s where NGIV Partner, DNA Training, comes in. With decades of experience in delivering tailored training solutions to the horticulture industry, DNA Training believe that upskilling horticultural employees with one of their chainsaw operator courses is an asset to the business. ‘We frequently here from horticultural business who need to remove felled trees in order to continue operating. Having an employee who is trained to use a chainsaw can help save time, money and personal injury,’ explains Belinda Tardini of DNA Training. John Suckling of Graham’s FacTree, who grow and import fruit tree cultivars for commercial fruit orchardists, underwent DNA Training’s ‘Operate and Maintain Chainsaws’ course.
One student, Genevieve Spiteri, attended the Mitchell Shire Council ‘Storm Resilience’ training group in May last year. Geneviene said, ‘I would really like to commend the women’s chainsaw course. Hugh and Simon were the perfect trainers, they were positive, thorough, and patient. Using a chainsaw is not easy but they made me feel reassured and confident. After the training I had such adrenaline and felt pumped! I’m so excited to practice the skills that I’ve attained. My husband was so impressed with all the knowledge I have using and maintaining a chainsaw, I even taught him a thing or two. Thank you for the opportunity I really appreciate it’ Councils throughout Victoria are now taking a step in the same direction and creating their own ‘Storm Resilience’ plan, nominating grounds staff, parks and garden maintenance teams, to complete training in Chainsaw, Chipper/Mulching and First Aid, so that they are prepared for the next storm in their region. Michael Tregonning, Coordinator Parks and Bushland, at Manningham Council recently placed 35 staff through chipper and chainsaw training with DNA Training Solutions to prepare his team for storm damage in their municipality. ‘The safety of my staff is the highest priority and the use of arboricultural tools, such as chainsaws and chippers, are one of my highest risk areas. With increased storm activity brought on by climate change it is imperative that my entire Parks team are ready to undertake the clean-up of fallen trees and branches if required.
Women in Chainsaw – Mitchell Shire Community Group
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GROUNDSWELL JUNE 2022
