Back to work

Logging trucks parked up and currently going nowhere. Picture by Paul Rickard

The Prime Minister's announcement the forestry industry can get back to work at Alert Level 3 is “great news” for the industry, Eastland Wood Council chief executive Kim Holland says

Jacinda Ardern yesterday outlined which businesses could reopen under Level 3 conditions.

Forestry was included, alongside manufacturing and construction, provided steps were taken to protect staff.

That announcement could be made on Monday.

“Not only will it get our forestry supply chain moving but it gets our economy moving, too,” Ms Holland said.

“Obviously we will be eagerly awaiting Monday's decision as to whether this will happen on Thursday.”

It was timely not just for harvesting operations but also for the planting season, as moving to Level 3 would allow the land preparation work to be done ahead of planting scheduled to start in mid-May.

“We are recruiting for silviculture/establishment workers and I am sure we will also be looking for harvesting crews as we get going.

“In the meantime, everyone across the supply chain is preparing for what the return to work looks like to ensure we get back to work safely.”

Ms Holland said an industry working group had been developing Forest Industry Covid-19 operating protocols.

The Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC) said the guidance on how forestry companies can open safely at Covid-19 Alert Level 3 will be in place by Monday.

“The guidance has been developed with strong input from industry and provides clear and detailed advice on how forestry companies can work in a way that prevents the spread of the virus,” said FISC national safety director Fiona Ewing.

“It covers all types of operations across the forestry supply chain — from planting, to harvesting to transport and port operations,”

Mrs Ewing said the focus would be on helping forestry companies apply the key public health controls — like distancing and hygiene — in their everyday work.

“It will be really good to get people back to work, particularly as our workforce are used to being outdoors and working in a physical environment.

“Some of our forestry workers have been going a bit ‘stir crazy' and are keen to get back out there.”

Companies and contractors would be putting in place their “safe start” procedures, as they did after every long break from work.

“We know that it is not going to be business as usual and we must all continue to follow the rules and safety protocols to ensure that people are safe in their work bubbles, as well as their home bubbles,” said Mrs Ewing.

“If we get the green light to move to Level 3 on Thursday April 23, we need to manage the risks to make sure our workers are safe, as we don't want to end up back in lockdown.

“Getting people home to their whanau safely is our top priority and we will continue to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our workforce.

“Everyone will be looking forward to seeing the first tree felled, the first load heading out of the forest and the first log ship alongside the wharf for loading.”