New year, clean slate

WHILE LOG EXPORTS ENDED THE YEAR ON A LOW POINT, DOMESTIC LOG

prices and demand ended strong. The backlog of log vessels has cleared, and forestry workers are back in the bush, ready to take on a New Year with a little more freedom thanks to the country’s traffic light system and high vaccination rates.

The COVID playing field keeps changing but the one constant is the need for those in forestry to protect their businesses and workers from the impacts of COVID-19. High profile incidents like that of tennis player, Novak Djokovic may have become something of a joke and New Zealand has dodged the worst of COVID-19 so far, but some say we mustn’t get too complacent as we enjoy life in what could well be the eye of the storm before the Omicron variant takes its footing.

Others believe this milder form of COVID-19 may be a good thing, as we are all likely to catch it at some point and develop further natural resistance to stronger strains. Milder or not, COVID-19 preys on the vulnerable and the gold standard is vaccination. At the very least Omicron will put workers out of action when they are sick or having to isolate, with the inevitable supply chain disruptions that follow. If you haven’t already done so, now would be a good time to talk to contractors, clients, trucking companies, and other suppliers about how you can work together to cope with disruptions over the coming months.

Turn the page for more detailed information on what forestry companies can do to prepare for Omicron and how to cope when it gets here.

Forestry workers are no strangers to adapting to a new environment, whether it be a virus or unusually steep terrain. Our feature on the evolution of winch-assist harvesting is testament to this. Over the past decade this impressive technology has resulted in significant improvements in productivity and safety over a wider operating range on steep slopes.

And for some more light-hearted reading, what better way to start the year than with a look at forestry’s Young Achievers? They are reaping the fruits of their well-earned scholarships and working with wood in all its manifestations.

New year, clean slate, a bit more to navigate – but when has that ever stopped this industry before?

Until next time, stay safe.