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LOGGER OF THE YEAR - North Carolina
It is with great pleasure that Forestry Mutual Insurance Company announces the North Carolina E. K. Pittman Safety Award 2020 Logger of the Year Award. The award is named in honor of the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Forestry Mutual and presented to those companies chosen by the President and staff of Forestry Mutual based on their safety record and continued emphasis on safety in the workplace.
This is Forestry Mutuals’ most prestigious award. Mr. Pittman served from 1971-1984 and was a strong proponent of Safety Training & Education and the use of personal protective equipment. This safety award recognizes businesses that show a genuine concern for the safety of their workers by going beyond the minimum safety requirements to ensure a safe and productive workplace.
Each of the four Regions in North Carolina looks at all their Logging Accounts. One is nominated from each Region. The committee must zero down to that one operation that excels above normal policy & procedures and exceeds expectations.
The criteria for selecting a winner:
• Safety record ∙ Demonstrated safe work environment.
BASED ON:
• Loss ratio. = 0%
• NCCI Experience Mod. = .94
• On-site announced & unannounced inspections.
• Implemented Safety Best Management Practices (BMP’s). These BMP’s are in line or exceed industry standards.
• Awareness, training/education & accountability of all employees & contractors. • Documentation of OSHA required annual training is maintained.
• Involvement in relevant associations such as NCFA, CLA, etc.
• Leadership and crew’s approachability by Safety/Loss Control inspectors and application of recommendations made.
• A genuine understanding of what strategic relationships are and the importance of fostering those relationships to benefit their operation and the perception of the entire logging community.
• An attitude of taking true ownership of the business; makes no excuses.
• A mindset of proactive vs. reactive; ahead of the game.
The operation that most fully represents those attributes is “Presnell Logging, Inc.” out of Marion, North Carolina.
Owned and operated by Steve Presnell. Steve started in the logging industry in 1979 with Ted Pack Logging, a name that many across the state know. After 23 years with Ted, Steve was given the opportunity to be the foreman of the logging crew for Blue Ridge Wood Products. In 2006, Steve went out on his own. He started Presnell Logging, Inc. Steve started with a 170 Franklin grapple skidder, a 210 Prentice knuckleboom loader, and several chainsaws.
Greg Helton, FMIC Representative & Presnell Logging, Inc. Logger of the Year ceremony Morganton, North Carolina
He purchased a 1980 Kenworth road tractor and a trailer from Ted and begin his journey.
He began logging for Bristol Industries and soon started working for S & L Sawmill and Pine Log Co. In 2008, Steve purchased his first feller-buncher, an 885 Barko. Two years later, he was able to buy his first track feller-buncher, a 445 Timco.
Over the past 41 years of logging, Steve says the greatest change in the logging industry has been the mechanization of the process. It has made the job a lot safer for the employees. Since becoming a part of FMIC in 2008, Presnell Logging has had a 0% Loss Ratio.
Along with the mechanized equipment, Steve has had good employees working for him. Jimmy Prichard on the loader, James Coleman on the skidder, and David Bollinger and Jerry Huskins in the trucks. Several of these guys have been with Steve for many years. One more name to mention is Gary Clontz. Gary worked for Steve for many years and was a huge part of the crew. Gary passed away this year, but his memory remains.
Forestry Mutual is very pleased with Presnell Logging, Inc. and their achievements in appreciating the cost savings associated with quality and safety and creating a safe work environment for its company. Their hard work and safety-mindedness continue to pay dividends, making them great ambassadors for our industry. ~FMIC
Steve Presnell, Presnell Logging, Inc. Logger of the Year ceremony Morganton, North Carolina
