Jo Goodhew
Forestry sector leaders in New Zealand will make a public commitment to work together to reduce injuries to workers when they sign the Forest Industry Safety Council Charter. Sources: Timberbiz, Scoop NZ
The Charter will be signed by members of the Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC) that includes representatives of forest owners and managers, contractors, farm foresters, WorkSafe, ACC, unions and workers.
It is also being signed by Associate Primary Industries Minister Jo Goodhew, representing the government.
“This Charter sets out at a high level how the industry will work together to make forestry a safe and healthy sector in which to work,” FISC Chair Dame Alison Paterson said.
“By signing our names to this pact in front of so many industry colleagues, we’re making a very public demonstration of our determination to work towards our goal of zero serious harm and fatalities in forestry.
“Charters by their nature are symbolic. But the symbolism of so many industry representatives committing to lead by example is powerful.
“ Their actions in fulfilling the commitments they’re making in the Charter will support FISC’s efforts to reduce harm.”
In addition to asking signatories to lead by example, the Charter asks them to work collaboratively on harm reduction activities, according to FISC National Safety Director Fiona Ewing.
“That’s no small ask in a highly diverse sector like forestry, so it has been really encouraging to see people agreeing without hesitation to work together on this issue,” Ms Ewing said.
“This Charter is an important milestone in the sector’s health and safety journey.”
An expanded version of the Charter will be developed later this year that includes detailed actions and expectations. Companies and others working in the industry will be invited to sign it.
