ACC and Safetree have collaborated to help keep forest workers out there doing what they love.
The newly released Have a hmmm videos encourage forestry workers to plan ahead, know their limits and speak up.
Created for social media as part of ACC’s wider Have a hmmm campaign, the videos feature experienced tree-feller and Safetree auditor Jason (Jay) Hemopo of Manaia Tu, alongside casual forestry worker Tait Humphreys of Hawke’s Bay forestry company General and Protection Forestry Services.
The videos focus on three simple, but important safety messages: • have a plan, • know your limits, • speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
New Zealand’s forestry sector has worked hard over the past decade to improve its health and safety culture, contributing to significant improvements in the number of fatalities and injuries.
But Safetree Chief Executive Joe Akari says people can easily overlook the basics, especially when they are busy or under pressure, and the industry can still do better.
As summer approaches, he says simple measures such as staying well hydrated, recognising the signs of fatigue and planning for the risks ahead become even more important, and not just in forestry, but across a variety of sectors.
“These simple things can make a huge difference on the ground. It’s about making sure you’re well rested, have a solid plan for the day and have identified any risks you might face, making sure your plan accounts for them.
“For young kaimahi (workers) in particular, it can be daunting to speak up about a concern in front of more experienced members of the crew. But speaking up is vital and needs to be encouraged. That’s the culture we want to foster in our forests.
“We’re grateful to ACC for picking up on these messages and creating a series of videos that can remind kaimahi and their whānau about those little things worth having a ‘hmmm’ about. They can make a real difference in helping everyone get home healthy and safe at the end of the day.”
