FMIC 3rd Quarter 2022

FMIC FORESTRY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

3RD QTR. 2022

Inside our Summer Edition:

AGENCY CORNER: Why should we be concerned with Non-Trucking Liability?

RISK ASSESSMENT: Revive Your Lock-out/Tag-out Awareness

TRUCK DRIVER SPOTLIGHT: Calhoun Enterprises Truck Drivers SAW SHOP: PPE 2nd Line of Defense

Partnerships in Forestry: News from our regional Associations

We say Happy Retirement to Keith Biggs and Bryan Wagner and welcome our new President, William Dine.

3rd Quarter 2022

CONTENTS

From the BIG Desk

5

Letter from the Chairman of the Board

6

AGENCY CORNER - Non-Trucking Liability

7

FMIC SPOTLIGHT - Truck Driver Spotlight

8

Partnerships in Forestry

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Partnerships in Forestry

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SAW SHOP - PPE: 2nd Line of Defense!

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LEGENDS OF FMIC - Jerry Rose Incorporated

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THE RISK ASSESSMENT - Lock-out/Tag-out Awareness Greg Plumley, Loss Control Director.

16

FMCSA NOTICE to policyholders

17

Partnerships in Forestry

18

Partnerships in Forestry

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Tribute to Keith Biggs & Bryan Wagner

20

FMIC KITCHEN - Tropical Mahi-Mahi

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Keith says thank you in his last "letter from the President."

Micheal Walters introduces Forestry Mutual's new president, William Dine.

Greg Hutson, FMIC Agency Agent, dives into Non-Trucking insurance.

Shawn Fulks visits Calhoun Enterprises and interviews two truck drivers on how to stay safe driving in the logging industry.

Report from North Carolina Forestry Association.

Report from Mississippi Forestry Association.

Greg Helton takes the helm of Saw Shop as Bryan Wagner retires with his 1st article covering PPE.

Chris Huff spends an afternoon with Davis Rose and Stephanie Blythe, siblings who operate three successful logging businesses in Virginia.

When it comes to lock-out procedures, a shortcut in the process can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Know your responsibility when it comes to your drivers and the FMCSA. Report from Tennessee Forestry Association.

Report from Virginia Logging Association.

Forestry Mutual tribute to two key individuals who are retiring this summer.

President Keith Biggs and Chainsaw Trainer Bryan Wagner.

Their combined service with Forestry Mutual spans six decades.

A healthy, delicious meal for the summer with the bonus of not having to use the oven in August!

Staff Directory 23

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FMIC 3rd QUARTER 2022

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TRUCK DRIVER SPOTLIGHT CALHOUN ENTERPRISES

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PAGE

NON-TRUCKING INSURANCE

12 SAW SHOP

Greg Helton takes the helm for Bryan Wagner with his 1st article: PPE: 2nd Line of Defense!

FORESTRY MUTUAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR Michael Walters

DIRECTORS Tommy Barnes Chip Capps Joel Cathey Randy Denman Candace Dinwiddie Joey Ferguson John Hatcher Mike Macedo Tedrick Ratcliff Bernard Rose Marshall Thompson Matt Thuman FORESTRY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY 801 Jones Franklin Road Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27606

(800) 849-7788 www.forestrymutual.com

FMIC AGENCY

P.O. Box 19467 Raleigh, NC 27619

(866) 755-0344 www.fmicagency.com FMIC 3rd QUARTER 2022

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FROM

THE

BIG DESK Our Culture and Traditions will continue.

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FMIC 3rd QUARTER 2022

I

n my final article as President, I want to first say thank you to my Family, Staff, Board of Directors, Association & Industry Partners, and of course to you, our loyal policyholders, for being part of this 36-year journey. My parents made me the person I am today; I learned from their example of working hard every day, never using excuses to not show up for work, and appreciating having a job and making a living.

As I reflect back to the beginning, in 1986 I was first hired by the North Carolina Forestry Associations Self Insurer Fund as a Field Representative, and I recall thinking that was the best job I could ever have. In 1988 I transitioned into a new role when the Fund took control over Underwriting & Billings. After Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the rates increased to $43.50 per hundred payroll dollars; the Fund was growing and could give back huge dividends during this time. However, as the years went on, things changed. North Carolina became a loss-cost state resulting in the entry of several standard carriers, which cut our membership in half as the Fund struggled to compete with the discounts they could offer.

In 1997 I was appointed as the new Executive Director. In 1999 we converted the Fund into a Mutual, and in 2000 we officially became Forestry Mutual Insurance Company, allowing us to offer the same discounts as other carriers and expand our reach across state lines for the first time. Since then, we have continued growing and serving policyholders in six states in the southeastern United States.

One of my proudest accomplishments was the establishment of FMIC Insurance Agency, which has allowed us to offer other lines of coverage. The Agency has had great success and is approaching a $30 million book of business. Loss Control has been our cornerstone throughout the years through our boots-on-the-ground approach to focusing on education and training for proactive safety & risk awareness rather than reactive measures. While we are an insurance carrier, our policyholders are truly our friends and an extension of our FMIC family; our goal is to have everyone return home safely each day.

Our staff at Forestry Mutual is largely to thank for our continued growth. The employees here genuinely care about the future and success of our company, and beyond that, they care for the Forestry Products Industry as a whole.

None of these things could have been accomplished without the support of our Board of Directors, and I have been blessed to work with two excellent Chairmen over the years. First was Mr. George Pace, whom I owe a lot for helping me grow as a leader and an individual. When Mr. Pace stepped down as Chairman, Mr. Michael Walters, our current Chairman, took his position. Mr. Walters and I communicate often, and he has also helped FMIC, and I grow as his business savvy is second to none.

As I step into retirement, I am confident Forestry Mutual is positioned to move forward in the future.

I am proud of what we have accomplished, and I know the tradition will continue.

The one thing I will miss more than anything is the relationships I have had the privilege of making over the last 36 years. Thank you again to everyone along the way for making this a great career for my family and me.

Sincerely,

Keith Biggs President, Forestry Mutual Insurance Company

FMIC 3rd QUARTER 2022

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May 20, 2022

The Board of Directors of Forestry Mutual is pleased to announce the appointment of William A. Dine as President, effective June 20, 2022. Bill holds a BA in Business from Georgia Southern University and will step into the shoes of our retiring President as the Company begins transitioning for Keith"s retirement at the end of July.

Bill is a proven leader with extensive experience in operations, underwriting, sales, marketing, and product development. His most recent tenure afforded him the opportunity to expand the company's geographic footprint while increasing brand recognition, underwriting expertise, and improved automation capabilities throughout the organization. Bill is innovative and results oriented with an excellent track record of translating strategy into action plans.

Bill brings over 30 years of insurance experience and is committed to delivering and expanding the Forestry Mutual mission of providing affordable workers' compensation insurance with an emphasis on delivering high-quality loss control services to the industry and the policyholders we serve.

Bill is also looking forward to being a spokesperson and champion for Forestry Mutual and the industry as we all work to deliver and expand on our mission as a company. He is eager to become a member of the team and looks forward to meeting and getting to know everyone throughout the organization.

Bill and his wife Julie are excited about this new chapter in their lives as they will be closer to their daughter who was recently married and lives in Durham.

Sincerely,

Michael P. Walters Chairman of the Board, FMIC

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FMIC 3rd QUARTER 2022

By Greg Hutson – FMIC Agency

N

on-Trucking Liability has been around for a long time. It is used to cover a trucker while leased to a trucking company for the trucker’s personal use of their truck. Under dispatch, they are covered under the primary liability of the company they are leased to. Fueling, taking the truck for repairs, and washing the truck are just a few things that can be considered business use and fall under the coverage of the company the truck driver is leased to. There is a difference between Bobtail and Non-Trucking coverage, but neither is something we would normally see in forestry or logging.

WHY DO WE NOT SEE IT?

We do occasionally see where a company will add a truck to their policy that they don’t own. Basically, to help a contract hauler. Not a good policy to do and a discussion for another day. All policies written on a Non-Trucking basis have stamped on the declarations page “No Lease, No Coverage” So why should we be concerned?

Most agents will indicate Non-Trucking Liability coverage on the certificate of insurance. If you use this person to contract to haul for you without a lease, he has no coverage. If an accident occurs depending on coverage symbols on your policy, you become primary for any damages. I have seen some agents omit to designate this on a certificate.

Making sure you are an additional insured will help. Companies that write Non-Trucking will not add an AI unless it is a Loss Payee requesting it.

Always request a certificate before you hire a contract hauler and make sure you are an additional insured.

If you see the words Non-Trucking on the certificate, this is not someone you would want hauling for you.

LET’S LOOK AT A SCENARIO.

You have a contract with the Mill. You should have a

contract between you and your subcontract haulers.

This is one way to prove they are not your employee.

You should have a certificate from your subcontract haulers naming you as additional insured and having the same coverages the mill requires from you. You may still be pulled into a loss caused by your subcontract hauler, but you have in place the necessary precautions to protect you as much as possible.

NEXT SCENARIO.

You don’t have a contract with your subcontract hauler. You do not have an updated certificate naming you as an AI. The subcontract hauler has a Non-Trucking liability policy or maybe no coverage at all. Depending on the coverages you have if pulled into a loss caused by the subcontract hauler you may not be properly covered. The loss is denied from the subcontract hauler's coverage if available or due to Non-Trucking Liability.

The loss is directed at you and the mill at that time.

You may have coverage and if you do you become primary. You did not make sure the subcontract hauler had proper coverage which is your duty.

Because of that, the mill will also bring a Breach of Contract suit against you for not conforming to the contract between you and the mill ensuring proper insurance requirements were met.

All of this is avoidable and FMIC Agency can help you with any questions you may have on a certificate or coverage issues so never hesitate to call your agent.

Greg Hutson, FMIC Agency

FMIC 3rd QUARTER 2022

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FMIC 3rd QUARTER 2022

TRUCK DRIVER

SPOTLIGHT

By Shawn Fulks, Loss Control Representative

Cecil Taylor; AKA White Glove & Norman Clements aka Piccolo.

Cecil has been hauling for Calhoun Enterprise for the past ten years, while Norman has been with the company since 2017. Both drivers played a crucial role, along with other good drivers, in helping Calhoun bring home Forestry Mutual's Logger of the Year award in 2021. This award is based on several areas, but loss ratio is a significant factor. The truck driver industry has hugely contributed to our loss ratio on the loss control side. It is our number one class code for money spent on injuries for a few years, with over 50% of the money paid out for injuries.

CECIL has been Driving Trucks for 35 years and has

been driving log trucks for the last 25 years. Growing up on a farm helped give him his work ethic, which has carried threw the many years he has been driving. Cecil has not had a ticket in about 30 years.

When asked what got him interested in driving, he stated his dad and uncle drove a truck and that he grew up on a farm. He has driven for several FMIC accounts, including M.M. Wright Inc. and Virginia Custom Thinning. He is married to his wife Teresa and has two sons, including one that continued the tradition of driving.

A typical day starts around 5:30am

How did you get your CB Handle?

"Well, as you can see, I'm dark, and the inside of the cabover I used to drive was also dark. I would pass other drivers, and they would not see me waving, so I started wearing a white glove. And the other drivers started calling me white glove, and it stuck ever since even though I don't wear the glove anymore."

What time do you get going in the morning?

"A typical day starts around 5:30am, so I can be in the woods by 7 to get my first load. Some days may start earlier when I have a load to run from the day before."

I asked Cecil what made him successful in driving. He stated that a good work ethic and paying attention to his surroundings were big reasons for his success. He added that what he disliked about driving was the

other drivers on the road. He stated everyone is always in a hurry and on their phones. It seems to him that very few driving people are aware of their surroundings.

When asked what advice he had for new drivers, he stated they really need to pay attention to what they are doing. Put down the cell phones. I followed up with a question, what do you like to do outside of driving? I love yard work and making my place look good.

NORMAN, aka Piccolo, age 69 started driving Log

trucks in 1974 when he was hired to drive a new International 4300 truck for S.R. Jones & Sons Logging. He drove this truck for ten years, putting over a million miles on it. Norman worked for S.R. Jones from 1974 to 2017, and they bought him a new International Eagle in 1994, which he drove for over ten years, putting over a million miles on it. He went to work for Calhoun in 2017. And said he had averaged about a million miles every ten years since he has been driving, so he is closing in on 5 million miles under his belt with only one accident that was not his fault. He said years ago, a drunk driver was running from the law and ran into him, causing the accident.

When asked how he got his CB handle, he said his uncle gave it to him. As a kid, when they used to go to restaurants or stores, there used to be music machines at the tables or inside; they called them piccolo machines. He always had money to put into the machines because he loved music, and his uncle started calling him piccolo, and it stuck for the rest of his life.

How has driving changed in the past 20 years?

"So much more traffic on the roads and cellphones.

So many drivers on the road not paying attention."

I asked Norman, What do you like about driving?

"Making Money." I followed up with, what do you dislike about driving? "Late evenings and other drivers on the road."

Norman, do you have any tips or advice for other drivers? "Stay alert and look out for other drivers. I prevented an accident last week when a car merged right into my lane, and I had to miss them so they could turn into a store. I have prevented quite a few accidents through the years by paying attention."

Also, he added that drivers needed to take their time and stay focused."

What is something about you not many people know?" "Well, one is my age. Most people don't realize that I'm 69 years old and the other is my bank account. (while laughing) What are your hobbies outside of work? "Saltwater fishing and seafood, there is nothing like it." ~FMIC

FMIC 3rd QUARTER 2022

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NORTH CAROLINA North Carolina Forestry Association

“THE GOOD THAT MEN DO WILL LIVE LONG AFTER THEY ARE GONE” - FOX HAAS Dr. John Hatcher, Executive Director, North Carolina Forestry Association

On behalf of the North Carolina Forestry Association (NCFA), I am grateful for the opportunity to thank two great leaders, Mr. Keith Biggs and Mr. Bryan Wagner, for their contributions to the forest products industry. Over the course of their careers, Keith and Bryan fully embraced Fox Haas’s words, serving FMIC’s insureds and the forest products industry well. They have spent countless hours teaching others how to lead and what it means to truly care about our industry.

When I assumed my role at the NCFA four years ago, I quickly learned that Keith and Bryan treat everyone around them as family rather than business acquaintances. The NCFA has benefited greatly from Keith and Bryan’s contributions to, most notably, the ProLogger Program, but also many other programs and outreach efforts.

I hope each of you will take a moment over the next couple of months to thank Keith and Bryan both for their dedicated service to FMIC’s clients and wish them the best as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

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MISSISSIPPI

I am also proud to announce that MFA member Mar-Cal, Inc. was recently named the Forest Resources Association Outstanding Logger for 2022.

This prestigious national award is designed to raise the visibility of professional logging contractors and encourage other loggers to adopt the performance of the award winners. Ken, Sandy, Brad, and Brent Martin have been active volunteers and leaders within MFA and their local county forestry associations. We congratulate them on this well deserved honor!

Mississippi Forestry Association

MFA IS HARD AT WORK FOR OUR MEMBERS AND THE FORESTRY INDUSTRY IN MISSISSIPPI

J. Tedrick Ratcliff, Jr. Executive Vice President, Mississippi Forestry Association

It has been a busy spring at MFA, and we are gearing up for an equally busy summer!

From teacher workshops and various committee meetings to Summer Board Meeting and logger and truck driver training, MFA is hard at work for our members and the forest industry in Mississippi.

Mar-Cal, Inc. was recently named the Forest Resources Association Outstanding Logger for 2022.

MAR-CAL RECEIVING THEIR AWARD

With the addition of John Auel to our staff in January, MFA has ramped up Professional Logging Manager program training and will be partnering with VestigeView and Forestry Mutual to present a trucking and logging insurance safety program on June 24 at the Farm Bureau Federation Building in Jackson.

There will be presentations on the benefits of camera systems on log trucks and demonstrations of the VestigeView systems. There will also be discussions on logging and trucking insurance needs and current safety issues affecting insurance rates and the industry.

Registration will be available soon at msforestry.net.

As always, MFA closely followed the 2022 Mississippi Legislative Session, which ended on April 5. Specific successful legislation for forestry interests included HB 1485. Provisions in current law that allow for 84,000 pounds on harvest permit vehicles were continued forward. A previously passed provision in the law triggers that allowance to 88,000 pounds on July 1, 2023.

FMIC 3rd QUARTER 2022

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SAW SHOP PPE: 2nd Line of Defense!

By Greg Helton, Chainsaw & Logging Safety Trainer With this being my first article in “The Saw Shop,” I thought it might be good to talk about PPE, Personal Protective Equipment.

When discussing PPE, I always try to point out that it is our 2nd line of defense. I mean by “line of defense” that it should be secondary to providing protection as we operate our chainsaws. Our 1st line of defense is between our ears. PPE is critically important (and required), but we should not depend on it as our only protection. I have confidence in the PPE I wear, but I don’t want to test it out on myself. Proper training and practicing good saw habits will help reduce the risk of testing my PPE. So, let’s talk about what PPE is required while we operate our chainsaws. I like to go from head to toe:

HARD HAT – Anywhere there is an overhead hazard, a hard hat must be worn. Felling timber or topping are jobs that require hard hats. Make sure your hard hat is in good shape. UV rays from the sun can break down the plastic over time.

Occasionally, do the stress test on your hard hat.

Squeeze it from the sides and listen for any crackling.

Look for any white lines that appear when you test it. Make sure the suspension is in good shape, with no broken straps or plastic. Remember, the space between the suspension and the hard hat is not a storage compartment. It is designed to absorb an impact.

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EAR PROTECTION – “Huh!” That is the usual response I get when talking about hearing protection.

If you are exposed to 85 decibels or more in an 8-hour shift, you must have hearing protection. The average noise level of a chainsaw is between 106 and 120 decibels. Earplugs or earmuffs work great. Protecting your hearing now is something you will see the benefit from later.

EYE PROTECTION – Since 2013, FMIC has required all chainsaw operators to wear safety glasses. Before 2013, we saw an average of 18 claims per year relating to chainsaws and eyes. Since 2013 the average has dropped to 3 per year. That is a pretty good impact. Speaking of impact, make sure the glasses you wear are impact resistant. They should have “Z-87” somewhere on the frame.

FACE PROTECTION – In addition to eye protection, face protection is beneficial to prevent brush and large chips from hitting your face. Keep in mind that FMIC still requires safety glasses in addition to face protection.

HIGH VISIBILITY – It is very important for chainsaw operators to be seen. Make sure you are wearing some type of high-visibility clothing. A safety vest or bright orange or green shirt are great choices. FMIC requires that anyone working on the ground must have high visibility to prevent someone from running over or hitting them.

LEG PROTECTION – Here is a big one! All chainsaw operators must wear leg protection constructed with cut-resistant material. Cut-resistant pants or chaps may be worn. Make sure they are in good working condition, with no tears or cuts that have pulled fibers. If the chaps or pants have been cut and fiber has been pulled out, they are done! They have fulfilled their duty and must be replaced. Be sure that all the straps are working so the chaps can be fitted around your leg properly. They must cover down to 2 inches below the top of your boot. Clean! Be sure to wash them periodically. Over time, chaps will become dirty and matted with oil, mud, and sawdust.

Washing them will help fluff the material and help them be more responsive.

FOOT PROTECTION – According to the OSHA Standard, chainsaw operators must wear foot protection that is constructed with cut-resistant material. The soles of the boots must be sharp, calksoled, or other slip-resistant type soles.

PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT – Additionally, chainsaw operators working away from the deck must have a compact first aid kit that contains supplies to control bleeding and infection.

There you have it. Head to toe, what is required PPE for a chainsaw operator.

Remember, this is the 2nd line of defense.

PROPER TRAINING CAN HELP BUILD THE 1ST LINE OF DEFENSE BETWEEN OUR EARS. If you need assistance with proper PPE or would like to schedule training for your employees, contact your Field Representative. ~FMIC FMIC 3rd QUARTER 2022

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LEGENDS OF FMIC Jerry D. Rose Incorporated

Courtland, Virginia

By Chris Huff & Jean-Paul (JP) Damé

T

his quarter’s Legends of FMIC is none other than Jerry D. Rose Inc. Jerry Rose started his company In February of 1983, 41 years ago. They operate three companies, Southeast Fiber Supply, Inc., Chip Transit, Inc., and Jerry D. Rose Inc. His children, Stephanie Blythe and Davis Rose, now manage all three companies alongside their father.

Jerry Rose got his start in forestry, working for Franklin Equipment Company. He then went to work logging with Ben E. Babb in the mid-1970s, and in 1983 he purchased a chipping operation and started working for himself. Having only one truck, Jerry had to use contract truckers initially, running "wholetree" chipping operations with four to five men.

In 2015, Jerry D. Rose Inc. and his other companies moved their Worker's Compensation, Commercial Auto, General Liability, Inland Marine, and Property coverage to Forestry Mutual Insurance/FMIC Insurance Agency. Davis and Stephanie say working with Forestry Mutual, especially Chris Huff, FMIC Agent, and Emma Turner, FMIC Account Manager, is like working with a close-knit family. They appreciate the personal and hands-on approach that Forestry Mutual/FMIC Insurance Agency brings to the table. Their training and genuine concern for our employee's safety is very evident. Quarterly safety meetings and training, especially with our truck drivers, is a service they both appreciate.

At 5 AM on the first Monday of every month,

DAVIS ROSE

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FMIC 3rd QUARTER 2022

Stephanie and Davis continue their training with drivers and shop mechanics. They provide breakfast, which is a great chance to get everyone together and train on what is currently happening in the industry.

Like many companies across the Southeastern U.S., monthly in-person training, either in the shop or in the woods, gives everyone a chance to reinforce relationships demonstrating that their employees' safety is a priority. Also, it's the only time some of these guys get to see their work friends.

Forty-one employees are employed within the three companies, and several have been with them since 1981. Davis Rose adds that he is now a 3rd generation logger behind his dad, Jerry, and then Ben, his grandfather. He and Stephanie hope one of their children will follow in their footsteps. Davis adds that his daughter, Daelyn, helps with administrative tasks after school in the afternoon.

STEPHANIE BLYTHE

Stephanie circled back to Forestry Mutual’s available training stating, “all we have to do is set up the time and location, then a Forestry Mutual representative will be there to give training on any topic we feel is needed. Sometimes it is Shawn Fulks, a Loss Control representative, or Chris Huff who will come out and train and give examples of how to minimize your risk on the job.” Which she adds “is not normal for a workers' comp insurance company to do, and we take advantage of that resource.”

Chip Transit, Inc. owns eighteen tractor trucks, with sixteen on the road daily. They believe the expense of cloud-based in-cab cameras, such as Samsara, is a priceless addition to driver safety and are 100% satisfied with Samsara’s services. Davis says that "over the years, it has paid for itself repeatedly. Not just from the evidence that a camera provides if an accident happens, but being able to track your trucks using GPS systems and track routes, speed, hard braking, tilting of the vehicle, and, more importantly, plan future routes to conserve fuel and shorten highway time is a bonus". Davis adds that being able to run reports on turn times in the mill helps them be efficient. Stephanie says it is peace of mind, and they will not run a truck without them.

This Legends of FMIC article could not be complete without mentioning Ed Spivey. Ed started a few months after Jerry began his company. Stephanie put it very well, "they were the dream team." They were best of friends at work and in life. Dad ran the office, Ed ran the woods, and he was like a brother to us. Davis adds that it was Ed who broke him in in the woods. He continued that Ed trained and made him do exactly what he wanted from day one. Which is, Be safe! Ed passed away a few months ago. Today, there is a small shine to Ed in the office. His boots, hat, and keys.

SMALL SHRINE TO ED SPIVEY

Having been born and raised in Franklin, Virginia, Jerry was familiar with his surroundings and enjoyed working in the woods. Jerry D. Rose and his family have made a successful logging business in Virginia.

They acknowledge their continued success could not be possible without the army of good people who work with them. From their lead mechanic to their logging crew foreman and Forester, it takes teamwork to succeed and become legendary.

Jerry D. Rose Inc. has done just that. ~FMIC

DAVIS ROSE, JERRY ROSE, STEPHANIE BLYTHE

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By Greg Plumley, Loss Control Director

When it comes to lock-out procedures, a shortcut in the process can literally mean the difference between life and death. Long considered an essential part of an industrial safety program. Lock-out procedures protect not only the employees working on a piece of equipment but also co-workers and others on the premises. Lock-out refers to the specific steps taken to safeguard employees from the unexpected start-up of machinery and equipment, or the release of hazardous energy, during setup, service, or repair.

According to OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration), approximately 3 million workers in the U.S. service equipment face a high risk of injury if Lock-out/Tag-out is not properly implemented.

Lock-out/Tag-out prevents an estimated 60,000 injuries in the U.S. alone each year. Lock-out/Tag-out procedures are necessary provisions, as they protect against the physical hazards that result in grave consequences due to the intense power of some machinery. Complying with OSHA’s Lock-out/ Tag-out procedures not only protects employers from violation citations but, more importantly, protects employees from serious physical hazards.

To lock-out equipment, a lock is placed on the energy source or isolating device. Although specific lockout procedures vary by industry, type of equipment used, and procedures and assigned responsibility within your plant, there are some basic common guidelines of which employees should be aware. The following are the critical elements of an effective lock-out policy:

• CLEARLY define when a lock-out needs to occur.

It’s important that there is a clear distinction between normal production operations and instances when a lock-out is needed.

IDENTIFY all potential energy sources. A simple disconnect of the main power switches is not sufficient, as other types of energy may exist, such as hydraulic, electric, thermal, radioactive, pneumatic, gravity, and chemical energy. It’s also important to drain, release, or block any stored energy.

CORRECTLY locate energy isolating devices. To achieve proper equipment isolation, an energy

• •

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FMIC 3rd QUARTER 2022

isolating device – such as a circuit breaker, disconnect switch, or gate valve – must be found, tagged, and locked out in the closed position.

INFORM all machine operators of the lock-out. A sudden loss of power could be dangerous if workers are not aware of the situation and are still working on the machinery ATTACH locks along with a warning tag indicating the date, purpose, and length of the lock-out and who installed the lock. If there are several employees working on a job, each worker should attach his or her own lock to a multiple-locking device.

USE uniquely keyed locks that come with only one key to ensure that employees cannot remove each others’ locks.

AFTER the lock-out procedures have been performed, test the operation of the machinery to ensure that all energy sources have been secured.

RETURN locked-out equipment to service only after all start-up procedures established by the organization have been followed. Special attention should be given to make sure all obstructions have been cleared, machine safeguards have been replaced, locks have been removed (in the correct order), and all workers have been notified and are free of the area.

TRAIN employees. Provide technical training to employees authorized to apply locks and tags to equipment and awareness training to those affected by the equipment, such as; machine operators, workers in close proximity, and management contacts.

CONDUCT an annual review of the lock-out program to verify effectiveness.

• • • • • • •

Please contact your Forestry Mutual Field Representative if you require more information regarding Lock-out/Tag-out procedures. They are willing and ready to assist you. Education is knowledge, and it takes knowledge to protect yourself from the ever-increasing risk level and the liabilities you face daily. ~FMIC

“Safety is a full-time job, don’t make it a part-time practice.”

Did you know … YOU COULD BE HELD LIABLE … whether you have 1 or 100 truck drivers – you are responsible for maintaining the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines.

Over the past few years, we have witnessed a few of our Policyholders face civil and criminal penalties because they failed to follow FMCSA guidelines as it pertains to record-keeping, specifically targeting the Driver Qualification (D.Q.) Files. In all cases, our policyholders' driver was involved in a serious accident that required further investigation by the responsible law enforcement of their State. Upon investigation, in those cases, it had been discovered that the truck drivers were operating with expired CDL Drivers' Licenses and, in some cases, with expired DOT Med Cards, which also disqualifies the CDL Drivers' License. In all cases, the owner of the trucking operation was found guilty of not maintaining D.Q. Files for which copies are required. A list of all required D.Q. items can be found at www.fmcsa.dot.gov website. It is not the responsibility of your insurance agent to maintain D.Q. Files for your operation; it is the sole responsibility of the business owner. It is also the truck driver's responsibility to maintain a valid CDL Drivers' License and DOT Med Card.

SO WHAT IF I AM NOT DOING THE ABOVE????

Part 383 COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE STANDARDS; REQUIREMENTS AND PENALTIES § 383.53: Penalties. (a) General rule. Any person who violates the rules set forth in subparts B and C of this part may be subject to civil or criminal penalties as provided for in 49 U.S.C. 521(b).

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: • • • •

•

Maintain a D.Q. File for each driver – full list of requirements can be found on the FMCSA website.

Ensure a current copy of CDL Driver License – maintain a control log to track expiration dates.

Ensure a current copy of DOT Med Card – maintain a control log to track expiration dates.

Must have a copy of MVR: You must request and approve and keep a copy of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) for every CDL driver. o Also, make sure that your insurance carrier approves the driver's MVR before letting them drive. o If you must create another business name where an alternate auto carrier can provide a driverdesignated policy for a driver because that one particular driver would not be approved by your major carrier, you need to do a little more research to ensure that driver is a good risk for your business. o MVR's must also be reviewed annually, but you must keep the original one from the driver date of hire. o Your insurance agent is not responsible for keeping these records…YOU ARE. Drug tests are required by Law: All trucking operations must have a drug testing policy. All CDL drivers must be tested prior to employment and then be entered into a random testing program. Also, post-accident tests must be performed.

Please contact your Forestry Mutual Field Representative if you require more information, such as a complete list of what is required in the D.Q. File. They are willing and ready to assist you. Education is knowledge, and it takes knowledge to protect yourself from the ever-increasing risk level and the liabilities you face daily.

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TENNESSEE

Tennessee Forestry Association

TFA AND TN DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE PARTNER ON SAFETY PROGRAMS & EQUIPMENT

Candace Dinwiddie Executive Director, Tennessee Forestry Association

TFA and TN Dept. of Agriculture Partner on Safety Programs & Equipment for Master Loggers.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, along with Dept. of Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Charlie Hatcher, are proud to recognize the importance of our Master Loggers throughout the state. Thanks to the Lee administration, TFA was awarded substantial grant funding to promote safety training and practices on the road and in the woods, along with cost-share availability for safety equipment.

The first trucking safety program was offered at Pickwick Landing State Park Lodge on May 24. FMIC personnel and TN Highway Patrol Lt. John Harmon (retired) provided instruction. 24 log truck owners attended. This class is tailored for owner/operators and contractors hauling logs. A second program will be scheduled particularly for log truck drivers. These classes will also be held in East Tennessee later in the summer.

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The grant funding also provides for cost-share on safety equipment for loggers. A priority will be placed on cost-share for dashcams for log trucks. TFA is working with VestigeView Solutions to offer a costshare program for TN Master Loggers where loggers pay 25% of the cost for a 3-camera dashcam package with one-year monitoring. The grant provided by the State of Tennessee covers 75% of the price. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture grant will also offer a 25/75 cost-share on amber flashing lights and red/orange flags for the end of the overhang.

The generous grant provided by the TN Dept. of Agriculture covers a 50/50 cost-share on safety equipment such as hard hats, chaps, hazard warning signs, first aid kits, etc.

For more information, please contact the Tennessee Forestry Association at (615) 883-3832; cdinwiddie@tnforestry.com.

TFA is honored to work with FMIC staff and the TN Dept. of Agriculture to enhance the ability of our Master Loggers to operate safely on our roads and in the woods throughout the Volunteer State.

Making the vision and plan come together meant membership and financial resources. Leadership was now needed from a different source and one that could add foundation strength and unify an industry.

VIRGINIA

Virginia Loggers Association

LEADING BY EXAMPLE Ron Jenkins, Executive Director, Virginia Loggers Association

Leadership has a valuable role in everything we do, and 2022 is no different from 2002. Trade associations need clear leaders who understand the times, create a vision, and clearly communicate a plan.

In 2002, Virginia Loggers Association began its trade associations activities with modest resources but a big vision and clear goals. A few logging business owners realized their situation needed advocacy they could not provide for themselves. After all, logging has specific challenges different from other businesses.

Forestry Mutual Insurance with Keith Biggs and his team had a vision and commitment to help fledging trade associations get the boost they needed.

In 2004, Stephen Covey, an internationally recognized leadership authority, authored the book titled “The 8th Habit - From Effectiveness to Greatness.” Covey was inspired to help people find their voice and inspire others to find theirs.

Victor Hugo is associated with the quote, “there is nothing so powerful as an idea whose time has come.” Keith Biggs and his team at FMIC had the right leadership and idea at the right time.

Fifty years later, FMIC now reflects on its own journey and prepares for the next fifty. VLA is substantially stronger because of Forestry Mutual and Keith.

We appreciate Keith and FMIC.

VLA’s great friend Keith Biggs has announced his retirement. VLA will miss Keith and wishes him the very best!

VLA faces different challenges today! Our financial resources are stronger, and our leaders have a clear vision, goals, and a plan to achieve them! We will continue working with FMIC leaders to gain strength for members and unity for our industry.

A combined Voice brings strength!

L - R: Mark Britton, Jack Swanner, Keith Biggs, Bernard Rose 2016 Drivers' Appreciation Day at former Kapstone, Roanoke Rapids

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LOSS CONTROL FOND FAREWELL

MR. BRYAN WAGNER

If there ever was someone you could tag as the mascot of our Company, it's Mr. Bryan Wagner. Bryan is admired by so many Policyholders and their staff; it is almost like having a celebrity among us. There's not a place, training class, expo, where someone doesn't walk up and ask for Bryan.

Bryan has been essential to the success of Forestry Mutual by the impactful message of logging safety, which he has conveyed over the past 26 years of service with Forestry Mutual. We are grateful to have had his professional expertise and mentorship. The logging woods are safer because of Bryan's contributions.

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The Loss Control Department wishes a Happy Retirement to Mr. Bryan Wagner.

FMIC 3rd QUARTER 2022

FORESTRY MUTUAL FOND FAREWELL

MR. KEITH BIGGS

We have learned much from Mr. Keith Biggs, President, who has been an integral part of the success of Forestry Mutual for so many years. Keith has been one of the most vital influences on developing the Culture at Forestry Mutual, which we all are thankful for. The professional relationship that he has developed and fostered with the FMIC staff, Policyholders, and vendors has set the standard, creating big shoes to fill. We have admired the way he has pushed us toward developing ourselves, which helped Forestry Mutual prosper. Keith's absence will undoubtedly be felt throughout the Company.

The Loss Control Department bids a fond farewell and Happy Retirement to Mr. Keith Biggs. May you be proud of the work you have done, the person you are, and the difference you have made. We hope the toughest decision he has to make in the future is how many hours he wants to fish today.

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FMIC

KITCHEN TROPICAL GRILLED MAHI-MAHI

Instead of grilling out the standard hamburgers or chicken breasts, prepare this grilled mahi-mahi and the tropical salsa.

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup reduced-sodium teriyaki sauce 2 tablespoons sherry or pineapple juice 2 garlic cloves 8 mahi-mahi fillets (6 ounces each)

TROPICAL FRUIT SALSA:

1 medium mango, peeled and diced 1 cup chopped seeded peeled papaya 3/4 cup chopped green pepper 1/2 cup cubed fresh pineapple 1/2 medium red onion, chopped 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro 1/4 cup minced fresh mint 1 tablespoon chopped seeded jalapeno pepper 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS

In a dish, combine the teriyaki sauce, sherry or pineapple juice, and garlic; add mahi-mahi. Turn to coat; refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Next, in a large bowl, combine the salsa ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Drain and discard marinade. Place mahi-mahi on a well-oiled grill rack. Grill covered over medium heat for 4 -5 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Serve with salsa.

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