top spot

from NZ Logger August 2022

LIQUID BIOFUELS

Safety/performance/quality Embracing innovation

WHILE WE COMPLETE FINAL ASSESSMENTS

for harvesting and thinning to waste for the first half of 2022, there are a couple of things we thought worth sharing with everyone in order to improve going forward.

Machine lockout: Our assessors continue to come across operators who are not using correct machine and processor head lockout processes when undertaking maintenance.

Mostly, this is a case of “you only know what you know” rather than the operator ignoring processes. Unfortunately, in some cases we have come across operators who have been assessed as competent for this as part of their operational assessment while not using proper processes.

We encourage you all to take a look at how you undertake this.

On the plus side, we are seeing a number of thin to waste contractors introducing innovations to assist their crews with improved and safer work.

Examples of these include: • Using a small excavator to push machine-assist edge trees off the side of the road. This has had a positive impact on thinners and has increased their production as a result. An unintended benefit of this has been the engagement of this machine to clear access tracks for the forest owner for the thin to waste operation. • The introduction of heated handles for saws – a positive impact for this crew during winter in the deep south. • Paid day off on the worker’s birthday for participating in Top Spot. A positive incentive that has assisted with engagement and taking on the challenges/messaging of the programme.

As these examples show, there is a range of innovations being thought of and adopted around the country that are all resulting in improved and safer performance (turn to page 46 to see more).

We encourage any contractors to consider the benefit of innovations (no matter how small) in improving engagement of their workers.

Ka mau te wehi! Awesome individuals, awesome teams and awesome people behind the scenes supporting them in what they do!!

Sponsors – they don’t have to do this but they choose to!

Awesome companies, awesome people and awesome support!

They back you and your workmates to succeed as professionals, so why wouldn’t you support them? They believe in what we do and what you do.

So, a big ongoing thank you to our Strategic Partners – STIHL and NZ Logger and sponsor SWAZI.

The best way to keep our industry working is to get out and support those businesses that support New Zealand.

Participating Companies

This competition wouldn’t be what it is without our participating companies.

We understand the commitment it takes from them to be part of Top Spot and value their ongoing support and feedback.

Our ongoing thanks to: Rayonier/Matariki Forests, Wenita Forest Products, Ernslaw One,

Bluewood Logging's Shannon Todd working at Conical hill, Tapanui.

OneFortyOne New Zealand, Crown Forestry, Forest View Contracting, Makerikeri Silviculture (2020), Mitchell Silviculture, Puklowski Silviculture, Gutsell Forestry Services, Johnson Forestry Services, McHoull Contracting, Wayne Cumming Contracting, Howard Forestry Services, Inta-Wood Forestry, Heslip Forest Contracting, Otautau Contractors, X Men Forestry, Proforest Services, FM Silviculture, Tane Mahuta, Waikato Forestry Services, Rai Valley Silviculture, Thomassen Logging, Forest View Logging, Griffin Logging, Penetito Forestry, Pride Forestry, Mangoihe Logging, CMH Contracting, Kaha Logging, Roxburgh Contracting, Te Waa Logging, Mike Hurring Logging, Bluewood Logging, Storm Logging, Onward Logging, Down and Out Logging, Forest Pro Logging, Eastside Logging, Lahar Logging, Moutere Logging, JD Harvesting, Whisker Logging, Kimberly Logging, Dewes Contractors, Dempsey Logging.

Into safety? Into performance? Into quality?

Contact Shane Perrett on 0274 781 908, 07 3483037 or at primefm@xtra.co.nz. NZL

Kane Heads passing on some of the knowledge he's learnt at Bluewood Logging to George Whyte, the newest crew member.

George Whyte applying the skills taught at Bluewood Logging. Kaha Log 15's Chris, Richard and Anton at Café Kaha. People in town would pay a small fortune for the venison these guys are about to tuck in to.