Mangoihe Logging Ltd managing director Mark McCarthy attributes his crew's achievement to a strong commitment to robust health and safety practices at all levels.

“A positive attitude to safe work practices has always been part of Mangoihe Logging. This is evident in the attitude of our crews -- they’ve all been fully committed and crew foreman, Mike Craig, has always led by example,“ Mr McCarthy says.

For several years Mangoihe Logging has also worked closely with the Department of Labour Workplace Services in the Manawatu/ Wanganui region. This has included regular compliance assessments, health and safety updates and technical advice to ensure that logging crews were working to industry standards.

“Mangoihe Logging Ltd has never compromised the health and safety in the drive for greater production. We’ve always put our people first and our workers have always felt a lot safer because of this. Our crew is also a good mixture of young and old with experienced loggers only too willing to pass on their knowledge and experience. That’s been a significant advantage too,“ Mr McCarthy says.

Mangoihe also places much of the credit for its enviable safety record with the leadership provided by Ernslaw One at both a national and regional level.

“Ernslaw One has always led by example. They’ve got really sound health and safety procedures and policies and a good working partnership with the Department of Labour,“ says Steve Williams, Health and Safety inspector, Department of Labour, Palmerston North.

To mark the logging crew’s achievement, forest owner Ernslaw One hosted a brief ceremony at Bulls Fire Station on 24 April 2009.

Source: Department of Labour media release (edited)