Independent Forestry Safety Review

Press release – 28 April 2014

Review Panel meets with family members of deceased forestry workers

The Independent Forestry Safety Review Panel met with some of the family members of deceased forestry workers today, on International Worker’s Memorial Day.

Panel Chair, George Adams said “the meeting was an opportunity for family members to contribute to the Review and give us their views. It was also a moving reminder to the review team of why we are doing the Review – to save lives. We appreciate the families sharing their heartfelt stories and giving up their time to meet with us”.

Family members participating in the meeting gave the Review Panel feedback on the key things that may have saved their men’s lives. They also offered their view on the key things that they thought needed to change in the forestry sector.

It remains clear to the Panel that there are no silver bullets that will save lives in the forestry sector. Mr Adams commented that “improving health and safety will be about many changes, for everyone: forest owners, forest managers, contractors and workers. And, workers need to be comfortable and safe in standing up and talking about safety issues”.

The Panel hopes to be able to engage with forestry works and their families forestry regions when they travel to the regions as part of the consultation process. Panel member Hazel Armstrong commented that “hearing the views of the workers, their families and communities is essential to the Review’s success”.

As part of the consultant process, the Panel will be going to:

• Whangarei

• Rotorua

• Gisborne

• Nelson

• Christchurch

• Balclutha

Details of the consultation process will be made available on the Review’s website – www.ifsr.co.nz. Panel member Mike Cosman encouraged people to signal their interest in the Review, “we have an email address to enable anyone to contact us and express an interest in being part of the consultation process.

People can email - info@ifsr.co.nz and we encourage them to do so”.

ENDS

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