FISC update

Authors: Fiona Ewing
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2020, Issue N.Z.J.For. 65(4) 2021, pp 41-43, Jan 2021
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: An extraordinary year 2020 was an extraordinary year. Many people might be happy to forget about it. But for forestry there were lessons learnt in 2020 that should be remembered and incorporated into how we work in 2021 and beyond. Last year showed us that the risks to forestry posed by COVID-19 were not limited to the risk of people getting sick from the virus. The lockdowns and various COVID-19 alert levels had an economic impact that affected forestry companies, contractors, the industry’s extended supply chain, and workers and their families. One positive note during that period was the extraordinary way the sector got behind efforts by FISC to create all-of-industry guidance for working at various COVID-19 alert levels. That guidance was endorsed by WorkSafe and supported the industry to get back on its feet as quickly as possible when the alert levels began to drop, and in a way that helped protect business and people. It was a great example of how health and safety can provide ‘neutral ground’ where people working in a highly competitive industry can work together on issues that affect the wellbeing of people, and ultimately of businesses.

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