Why?
Forest owners and managers rely on contractors to grow and harvest their trees. The work these contractors do is very visible to the public. It is important that the skills of these organisations are recognised and the businesses they work for are sustainable. Most of the effort in forest certification has focused on supply chains and impacts in the forest that are the responsibility of forest owners and managers. The role of the forest worker and contractor is often ignored. This project examines the international schemes that seek to empower and recognise the organisations who work directly with the trees we all rely on for the wood we need.
The Plan
The project is to liaise with Australian forest managers and contractors to understand their expectations of contractor certification, examine approaches in other industries and review the forestry contractor certification internationally by visiting:
· New Zealand to review their SAFETREE Certified Contractor Program
· British Columbia an engage with the BC Forest Safety Council to evaluate their approach to contractor certification.
· the north east of the United States to review the Master Logger program, and
· northern Europe and engage scheme managers, contractors and auditors to review the Certification of Forestry Contractors.
Key themes
During these visits the following themes will be examined…
HEALTH AND SAFETY
How does each scheme verify certified business have sound practices to protect the health and safety of their workers?
FAIR AND JUST
Do the different schemes check that workers are treated fairly and and justly with respect to their pay and conditions?
ENVIRONMENTAL CARE
What measures are regarded as vital to ensure certified contractors minisimise unplanned environmental impacts?
BUSINESS SKILLS
How is the sustainability of a certified business measured?
Get Involved
I’m keen to get your input into this project. If you have are a forestry contractor or have an interest in forestry contractor certification please register to participate in my survey.
Also, please get in touch if you have any other ideas or suggestions…