Want to listen to our FICA Logger Mag updates instead of reading them? Here's how:
1. Update your settings (phones / tablets) or install this free audio reader extension (desktop / laptop):
a. iPhone: To use the built-in text-to-speech feature on your iPhone, go to:
Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content and enable "Speak Selection" or "Speak Screen" to have the iPhone read selected text or the entire screen aloud, respectively.
b. Samsung: To activate and customize the text-to-speech "Read Aloud" feature on your Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Text-to-speech output, where you can choose your preferred engine, language, speech rate, and pitch.
c. Computer: Install Read Aloud: A Text to Speech Voice Reader. Then the orange megaphone icon should appear in the top right of your web browser - you can use the controls to play / stop / skip as needed.
2. If on your iPhone, select / highlight the text below and click 'speak' to listen. If you're on your computer, press the orange megaphone icon (normally in the top right of your web browser).
FICA Membership Assistance
FICA is often contacted and asked to assist members. FICA is currently working on a number of projects to assist members in collaboration with other stakeholders.
Cable Logging guidance under development following Kohurau Harvesting prosecution undertakings.
Seatbelt retrofit feasibility under review after Logging incident in Hawke’s Bay. One of our members had an incident recently where a machine rolled over shovelling and the operator was badly injured, he was not wearing a seatbelt (4-point harness) at the time. The member has asked us to assist in looking at seatbelt reminders, something common in cars we drive everyday. Some manufacturers have factory fitted seatbelt reminders but not all machines. FICA with our partner/sponsor machinery suppliers is getting a better understanding of cost to retrofit into 4-point harness.
Emergency exit concerns raised by a couple of industry stakeholders; FICA is following up with interested parties.
LTSC request on bunching grapples for trailer loading. FICA is working with our partner sponsor machine manufacturers.
FOA Engineering Manual review underway, with FICA representation added to LTSC and FOA transport committee.
SafeTree Certification funding support targeted to Northland, East Coast, SNI, and SI members.
If you have any questions or interest in being involved in any of the projects above let Rowan Struthers know on 0274 712789 or email rowan@fica.org.nz.
Pan-Sector Health and Safety Charter Proposal to FOA
Last year FICA got the opportunity to present a proposal to the Forest Owners Association Board regarding a H&S Charter for the Forest Industry. FICA was asked to go and socialize the concept with interested parties.
There are a number of key drivers in the charter certification, critical rules, aspirational goals for the industry that are measurable and demands that if organisations signs-up they are accountable.
A presentation on the H&S Charter was presented to Log Exporters and gives a background on the need for a new charter and the structure of it.
