Mr. Dine outlines Forestry Mutuals success' and vision for the future.
Jack Williams, Mississippi Agent, "Cover your backside." Jack explains why having a dash camera in your truck(s) covers more than you back.
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Am Best upgrades Forestry Mutual to A- (Excellent) rating. A lot of hard work and staff dedication pays off.
Jeremy Helton, Interviews logging truck driver Matt Mann on his continued success and tips on being safe while hauling on the highway.
Report from North Carolina Forestry Association.
Report from Mississippi Forestry Association.
SAW SHOP: 1st Line of Defense! 12
Greg Helton reminds us that it's our mindset and awareness of the situation is in reality, our 1st Line of Defense in the woods.
SKJ Moore Logging, LLC & C Moore Trucking, Inc
This safety award recognizes Shane Moore and his team. See what it took to be a Forestry Mutual Logger of the Year.
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This safety award recognizes Irvin Fail Logging, Inc. See what it took to be a Forestry Mutual Logger of the Year.
Report from Tennessee Forestry Association.
THE RISK ASSESSMENT - Lock-out/Tag-out Awareness 19
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.
Report from South Carolina Timber Producers Association.
Report from Virginia Logging Association.
As the weather turns cold, there is something special about cooking a hearty pot of soup and having some grilled cheese.
What to expect in new and upcoming training content for 2022/23.
Bill Dine, President & CEO
Forestry Mutual Insurance Company
Writing this letter is both very humbling and exciting for me. As I have come to learn how much Forestry Mutual has supported and helped the logging industry over the past decades, I also realize there is more we can achieve both as an insurance company and as an advocate for the logging and the wood products industry.
I would like to first thank Keith Biggs whose leadership over the past 25 years has taken Forestry Mutual from a self-insurers fund to one of the Southeast’s premier and most universally admired companies in the logging insurance market. Forestry Mutual has been a leader in helping protect the most valued asset of our policyholders - their employees. Our recognized best-in-class loss control service, industry specific educational programs, and the early adoption and implementation of new technology, have helped our insureds take loss control and loss mitigation to the next level.
Like many of you, I chose to work here at Forestry Mutual because we have a very bright future and offer the best workers’ compensation insurance program for the wood products industry. Over the past three months, I have seen how connected and vested our employees are in helping make Forestry Mutual a company that our insureds are proud to call “their” insurance carrier. I have also seen how much our insureds value the relationships we share both personally and professionally. This is what sets us apart and is what will drive my vision going forward. I have been told on a number of occasions about insureds who chose to leave Forestry Mutual for another carrier, and now they regret their decision. This has only confirmed what I know: we have something special to share which can be expanded upon as we strive to make a difference in the industry. This is the very same inspiration that continues to drive me today as we begin to build the vision for our future.
While Forestry has experienced success, we are hungry to do more. Our industry thrives on respect, tradition, and innovation. This is a critical time for both the insurance industry and Forestry Mutual as innovation is moving at warp speed and every day new technology is developed that can help both the industry and Forestry better manage and mitigate risk for our insureds. We are also headed for more challenges as our competitors continue to look for ways to poach our customers away from the Forestry Mutual family. We need to refocus our attention on growing profitably in each of our
territories. Focusing our efforts on growth will require that we examine each of our distribution channels for additional opportunities to grow our workers’ compensation line of business, while also looking to expand into additional lines of business and product offerings to help round out our existing workers’ compensation portfolio. Developing new lines of business will not only shield us from being that vulnerable monoline carrier, but it will also allow us to lead the way in setting the standard as an insurance provider for the forest products industry.
Our goal is to ensure that Forestry Mutual and its clients thrive and succeed in both challenging and good times.
I believe that Forestry Mutual can become the company of choice for the markets we serve over the next decade. For years, Forestry Mutual has provided an array of services that have defined us as the expert in our market. However, not everyone in our territories is aware of our vast knowledge and resources, and we will work to communicate this expertise to attract new policyholders and retain existing customers. We have excelled in keeping our clients, the logging and mill industry, safe through our comprehensive one-on-one loss control and education services. We genuinely want every employer and employee we serve to go home to their families each and every day the way they came to work. That philosophy will continue to drive our loss control mission.
In our early history, our mission was to provide workers’ compensation coverage to a market that no one wanted to insure and at a reasonable cost to the policyholder. As we plan for the future, we must focus on what Forestry Mutual can uniquely contribute to the industry. The opportunity ahead will require us to reimagine what we have done in the past with our partners and associations and develop new ways to serve our clients better. Going forward, we will focus our efforts on building a broader range of insurance services and products to help mitigate the risk we have as a monoline insurance carrier. Working closely with existing and new partnerships, we will develop a best-in-class insurance program that will allow us to continue to deliver on our mission as a mutual insurance company by providing affordable insurance coverages to the policyholders we serve.
To paraphrase a quote from Oscar Wilde — "We need to believe in the impossible and remove the improbable.
This starts with clarity of purpose and a renewed sense of mission that will lead us to imagine the impossible and deliver it. We must prioritize innovation and incorporate it into our core values of competitive policies, customer service, and best loss control practices provided by any insurance company.
Every one of us needs to do our best work by leading and helping to drive the cultural change that is taking place in the industry. We sometimes underestimate what we can do to make things happen, and overestimate what others need to do to move us forward. We must change this. We started as a small family and will continue to be “family” as our clients, Forestry Mutual and FMIC Agency grow into our future.
Finally, I genuinely believe that each of us must find meaning in our work. The best work happens when you know it’s not just work, but something that will improve other people’s lives. This is the opportunity that drives each of us at this company. Many companies aspire to change an industry, but very few have all the elements required: talent, resources, and perseverance. Forestry Mutual Insurance has proven that it has all three in abundance, and as the new President, I can’t ask for a better foundation.
Let’s build on this foundation together.
Bill Dine, President & CEO
Forestry Mutual Insurance Company
Naturally, as an agent specializing in the logging industry, I speak to loggers daily about their insurance needs and what's happening in the "market." It never takes long before the conversation is steered to the high price of Commercial Auto Insurance. Logging operations pay some of the highest commercial auto rates in the nation! Why is that? Why do loggers pay more than grain haulers, sand and gravel, dimensional lumber, etc.? Answer… it's complicated! A huge piece of the complex answer is the losses that insurance companies pay.
Most log truck accidents (at fault or not) result in six-figure payouts from insurance companies. Suppose a third party is injured as a result of said loss. In that case, you can bank on another six figures being added to the value of the loss. Nine times out of ten, the injured party is going to "lawyer up" to ensure they can squeeze as much money as possible out of the "dangerous logger" and the deep pockets of the "insurance company."
It has become nearly impossible to drive any distance without seeing a billboard for an attorney advertising "been hit by a big rig? call me!" Attorneys know how to manipulate the court system and squeeze money out of the insurance companies… it's never the innocent private passenger vehicles' fault. The blame has always been placed on the big rig. Well, now things have changed, and for the better!
Cloud-based dash camera systems like Vestige and Samsara offer loggers and the insurance industry a huge advantage in driving down the legal costs associated with commercial auto accidents. The cloud-based dash camera is the independent third-party witness to all accidents now. The days of "he said she said" are past. There is proof now of what speed your driver was traveling, their location, loaded vs. non-loaded, and most importantly, an accurate snapshot of who was indeed at fault. Assuming your truck driver
followed all of the correct protocol and was not at fault. Your insurance company can use the data captured by the camera to argue in court and save the company/ industry hundreds of thousands of dollars. At a macro level (where the insurance industry operates), saving $100,000 on, say, 35 – 40 percent of accidents that happen each day equals significant time savings for the industry that are ultimately passed onto insureds.
Not only are cloud-based dash cameras saving insurance companies money in the courtroom, but they're also telling underwriters that your company is committed to safety! A commitment to safety is factored into the underwriting process…it shows the insurance company that you're "doing the best you can." In addition to the rate savings you can recognize, you can also hold your drivers accountable for their actions. Suppose they know that you're watching them. They might think twice before taking a "detour" back to the job site. Think twice about picking up the phone to thumb out a text or even something as simple as putting on their blinker before making that turn. The information these camera devices can capture is impressive and puts you in a position to know more about what's going on in and around your truck.
The cloud-based dash camera system is such a hit with the insurance industry that I foresee all insurers requiring cloud-based dash cams in the near future. The investment is minimal compared to not running a cloud-based system in your trucks, plus many insurers offer discounts for installing cameras. At a minimum, each truck should have a forward-facing camera on the dashboard. Still, you can also install cameras on the rearview mirrors to capture the action on the truck's sides. You can even have tail cameras installed…most accidents occur behind or on the side of the truck.
By Jeremy Helton, Loss Control Representative
Matt Mann has spent the better part of his life in the woods. His father, Dale Mann, Grandfather, Lendell Mann, and his Great-Grandfather, Tommy Mann, have all worked as loggers. You could say the woods are just in his blood.
To double down on that point, Matt and Trevor Haywood (Trevor Haywood Timber Co) grew up together riding dirt bikes in the woods near Leach, TN. Trevor is also the 4th generation in his family to make a career working in the logging woods. When Trevor asked Matt to drive for him 17 years ago, Matt said, “It just made sense.”
When they wrecked, they tried not to take the blame. Fortunately, having a dash cam can prove what you know to be true when the finger-pointing starts.
Matt gave us a few tips he’s used over the years to stay safe on the road.
• Take your time, and don’t get in a hurry.
• Keep spaced out on the road, and leave plenty of room to stop.
• Every load rides; differently. I like my seat down low so I can feel the truck better.
• If you’re coming from over-the-road driving, these loads are really top-heavy.
• Make sure this time of year to strap the poplar and hickory down real good due to the bark slip.
• It helps to work for someone like Trevor, who really takes care of their equipment.
Trevor told us that Matt is of real value to his company. Not only is he the longest-running employee, but he can also do anything in the woods that needs to be done. If Trevor needs help with anything or if someone else can’t make it in, Matt is a go-to guy. He said besides being flexible; Matt also has a real talent for pulling a lowboy when equipment needs to be moved and set up.
When asked what he liked to do when he wasn’t in the woods, it’s probably no surprise that Matt, his wife Jeanee, son Dillon, and Dawson like to spend time in the woods riding side-by-sides. It’s just in his blood.
Matt has had the opportunity over the years to run cutters, skidders, and loaders in addition to trucks. When asked why he settled in on driving a truck, the answer came quick, “I just enjoy the freedom that driving gives you.” Likewise, he was quick to answer his biggest reservation about driving; he said, “other drivers not paying attention. Things have changed a lot over the years with phones and tablets. It’s a real concern.”
He told me a story about passing a swerving rig on a four-lane highway, only to find out the driver had a tablet on his steering wheel watching a movie. Another time on a two-lane with full shoulders, a car came completely in his lane and caused him to pull to the shoulder just before they collided. He never saw the lady’s face. Just her blonde hair, as she was staring down at her phone. She had no idea that she almost ran into a loaded log truck head-on.
When asked what he thought about dash cams, Matt said, “To be honest, I was really a bit hesitant, didn’t know what to think about them at first. I’m pretty big on privacy, but I understand their benefit now.” He recalled a time that his cousin Preston, who also drives for Trevor, had someone trying to pass him on a curve and almost ran head-on into a dump truck.
L - R: MATT MANN, JEANNEE AND DAWSON MANN, DILLION MANN AND CLARE LAMPKIN“It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage, both because it is so powerful and so rare.”
– Patrick Lencioni
The North Carolina Forestry Association’s (NCFA) partnership with Forestry Mutual Insurance Company (FMIC) began in 1971 with the inception of the North Carolina Forestry Association’s Self-Insured Fund. The mission then was to provide affordable workers' compensation insurance for the forest products industry and develop safety programs to keep loggers safe and stabilize insurance rates. Over time the Self-Insurer Fund evolved to become Forestry Mutual Insurance. While their structure has changed over time, their mission and partnership with NCFA has remained the same.
In 1994 the NCFA and FMIC teamed up with the North Carolina Department of Labor, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and the North Carolina Forest Service to develop the ProLogger Program, which promotes business, safety and environmental stewardship in the logging sector. The ProLogger Program continues to be first in class thanks to the data-driven insights that FMIC brings to the table each year. Their analysis of claims and current incident
trends in the industry helps guide NCFA’s development of content that is timely, relevant and will help our members reduce accidents and costs every year. The ProLogger Program adds approximately 100 new members to its ranks and provides continuing education to 1500 loggers per year. It would not be the great success that it is without FMIC’s involvement.
In addition to FMIC’s contributions to the ProLogger program, their team remains active on the NCFA board of directors, safety, logging and transportation committee and they have played a huge role in the production of the Mid-Atlantic Logging, Biomass and Landworks Exposition.
The partnership that NCFA and FMIC has embodies Lencioni’s quote because it takes every aspect of the forestry supply chain utilizing specific strengths and working together in order to be successful in moving the forest products sector forward.
Lauren Hawkins, Communications Coordinator, Mississippi Forestry Association
Active partners and members are what make associations thrive; thankfully for MFA, FMIC is one of those partners.
This summer has seen several collaborative efforts between MFA and FMIC. On June 24, MFA, FMIC, and Vestige hosted a Professional Logging Manager Safety Program in Jackson, Mississippi.
Representatives from Vestige and FMIC discussed the need for upgrading log truck safety through technology such as cameras. An analysis of log truck accidents in Mississippi over a five-year period
showed that front and side mounted cameras would have captured evidence in over 50 percent of all accidents. This evidence is crucial for liability protection and improving safety. The ability to properly assign fault in log truck accidents, reduce the number of accidents, and improve driver performance will help with the stabilization of insurance premiums and a healthier forest industry.
Another way FMIC has partnered with MFA to promote safety and best practices is by having a representative serve on MFA’s Timber Harvesting Committee. This committee recently conducted site visits to three Logger of the Year nominees and selected a winner for Mississippi’s 2022 Logger of the Year award. By searching for and recognizing these loggers who are committed to safety and excellence in their profession, the committee encourages other loggers to follow suit.
In yet another partnership opportunity, FMIC is again serving as the title sponsor for MFA’s 2022 Annual Meeting. This year marks the 85th Annual Meeting for MFA, and generous sponsors such as FMIC makes the event a huge success year after year. For anyone who may be interested in attending, the Annual Meeting will be held October 26-28 at the Sheraton in Flowood, Mississippi.
More information and online registration are available at mfaannualmeeting.com.
MFA is committed to member safety and moving the forest industry forward. Partnering with FMIC has proved to be a significant step in reaching the association’s goals, and MFA looks forward to many more partnership opportunities in the years to come.
MFA'S TIMBER HARVESTING COMMITTEE, WHICH INCLUDES FMIC STAFF MEMBER JACK WILLIAMS, CONDUCTS A SITE VISIT TO A NOMINEE FOR MFA'S 2022 LOGGER OF THE YEAR AWARD.
Last quarter, in The Saw Shop, we discussed PPE and what is required for a chainsaw operator. I mentioned several times that PPE is our 2nd line of defense. It is in place to protect us when something gets past our 1st line. So, let's talk about that 1st line of defense, everything between our ears. Knowledge and proper training will help us not to test our PPE. Using the training we have received, and the knowledge we have learned will help ensure that we return home at the end of the day. And that is the primary goal.
The US Forest Service Chainsaw Training Program refers to this 1st line of defense as "Situational Awareness/ Individual Complexity." The complexity of the assignment must be determined by the sawyer based on the sawyer's individual skill, knowledge, and understanding of their capabilities and limitations. If the sawyer does not feel comfortable cutting a tree due to the complexity of the risks, the sawyer should make the determination of "GO or NO-GO."
A "NO-GO" tree does not mean the tree cannot be harvested. It may require additional equipment or tools to fall the tree safely. Sometimes additional knowledge of a situation can be very beneficial. Let's look at Situational Awareness, being aware of your surroundings. As one safety consultant said, "Keep your head where your feet are!"
This applies to whatever task you perform, from operating a chainsaw to driving a truck. You must be aware of your surroundings. A good sawyer should always stay a step ahead by watching for other employees, equipment working around the area, and even visitors walking into the cutting site/always look for those overhead hazards and dangers around the area. Paying attention to possible reactionary forces that may come from those hazards. "If I cut this limb here, where is it most likely going?" "If this tree hits that tree, where will the throwback be?" By paying attention to the surroundings and asking those questions, the sawyer can plan accordingly to keep themselves in a safe position.
Another part of situational awareness deals with the static factors around the sawyer. Those factors that we have no control over, such as the weather. Is it too windy? How is the wind going to affect the trees I need to cut? How will the rain affect my footing? The heat and the cold are factors that need to be considered as they can affect the sawyer in different ways.
The terrain can be another static factor. How will the slope of the ground affect the lay of the tree? How will it affect my footing? My escape route? Can I get away from the tree when it falls? How has the terrain affected the timber? Awareness of the timber's quality in different types of terrain can assist when making a cutting plan.
Now let's talk about the individual complexity. What is going on inside the sawyer can make a difference
in what comes out of the sawyer. There are many dynamic factors that can affect the sawyer. Is the sawyer focused on the task? Are issues in their personal life affecting their judgment and awareness? A sawyer that is dealing with personal problems may not have their head in the game.
Then there are the physical considerations. What are the sawyer's general health and physical conditioning? Are they on any medication or under the influence? The one that stands out the most to me is fatigue. What time of the day is it? Is the sawyer fatigued? Fatigue can affect good judgment. There is a tendency to take shortcuts when fatigue begins to set in.
Shortcuts can lead to injuries. Make sure to get plenty of rest before starting the day and adequate work/ rest cycles throughout the day. The heat can also cause fatigue. Make sure to drink plenty of water while working in those hot conditions.
In conclusion, use these thoughts as you assess your trees. Take that second to look around and be aware of the static factors around your cutting area. Get plenty of rest! Monitor your fatigue level and rest when needed. Don't take shortcuts. And remember, be professional enough to walk away from an uncomfortable situation and ask for assistance. Trust that "gut feeling" and reassess the task. Sometimes it may just take walking away from a tree one day and looking at it the next. It is always better to walk away from a tree than to be carried away from it.
Use the knowledge and training that you have. Let that 1st line of defense work for you. If you need assistance and want to schedule training for your employees, don't hesitate to contact your Field Representative.
Forestry Mutual Insurance Company is pleased to announce this year's NC Logger of the Year Award to SKJ Moore Logging, LLC & C Moore Trucking, Inc.
The award, named the E.K. Pittman Safety Award, is 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.
SKJ Moore Logging and C Moore Trucking have been insured by Forestry Mutual since 2002. In these past 20 years, they have had a minor claim that occurred in their first year of membership with us. This type of safety record can only be achieved by a daily focus on job safety and a sincere concern for the employees working on-site and on the road.
SKJ Moore Logging and C Moore Trucking are based in Nakina, NC, in southeastern North Carolina. The company, originally named Clyde Moore Logging & C Moore Trucking, was started by Herman "Clyde" Moore, Jr in 1983.
Clyde retired as a Lt Commander in the US Navy in 1983. He began clearing some property behind his mother's house to take to the sawmill. It was at that point that the company was born.
In 1991, Clyde's son, Shane Moore, graduated from high school and began running a second logging crew for his father. Twenty years later, Shane's father stepped back from leading the business and turned it over to Shane. Due to the change in ownership, the company changed its name to the current SKJ Moore Logging, LLC & C Moore Trucking, Inc. Clyde recently passed away on May 22, 2022, at the age of 79 and is missed by the family, numerous friends, and many of the employees that still work for SKJ Logging and C Moore Trucking today.
SKJ Moore Logging & C Moore Trucking truly is a family business. SKJ stands for Shane, his wife Karen, and his son Jonathan. Karen is the glue that keeps the business administrative responsibilities together. At the same time, Jonathan, just like his father years ago, now runs the logging crew.
Shane will quickly tell you that while he still heads the overall business, keeping it going would not be possible without the help and support of his wife and son.
Rightfully so, Shane is proud of his family, the business they've continued to grow, and his father Clyde for both his service to our country and for creating the business that has supported multiple generations of the family. Likewise, Forestry Mutual Insurance Company is proud to have Shane and his family's business as our customer. We are proud of their contribution to the logging industry, the example they set daily for safety both in the woods and on the road with their trucks, and the partnership we have had with them throughout these past 20 years.
It is a pleasure to present the NC Logger of the Year award to SKJ Moore Logging, LLC & C Moore Trucking, Inc.
It is with great pleasure that Forestry Mutual Insurance Company announces the Annual Forestry Mutual E. K. Pittman Safety Award for the 2021 Logger of the Year.
This prestigious award is named in honor of the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Forestry Mutual. It is 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. Mr. Pittman served from 1971 to 1984 and was a strong proponent of Education, Safety Training, 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.
This year’s award recipient for this honor is Mr. Irvin Fail of Irvin Fail Logging, LLC, out of Olar, South Carolina. The company has been a Forestry Mutual policyholder since 2008, and through hard work and safety mindfulness for the past 14 years, they have never had to file a lost-time claim.
The company is owned and operated by Mr. Irwin Fail, and composed of his wife Vicki Fail, his sons, Wayne and Mike Fail, Norris Fennell, and one truck driver, Doug Hoeff.
Mr. Irvin Fail is a first-generation Logger and started in the logging industry approximately 32 years ago as a truck driver hauling wood for Coastal Logging out of Walterboro, South Carolina. A few years later, in 2002, they offered to put him into his own logging business.
Forestry Mutual is very honored and proud to serve Irvin Fail Logging, LLC as a policyholder. His achievements in safety and creating and maintaining a safe working environment make him and his com pany great role models for the industry.
Nick Carter, FMIC Agency Manager presents Irvin Fail & Noah, Irvin’s 3 month old grandbaby, with their Logger Of The Year plaque.
Thanks to the safety programs and professional development, our Tennessee Master Loggers are recognized for their commitment to ensuring our forests remain sustainable, our rural economies have much improved and our youth are encouraged to look at working in the forest as a viable long-term professional career.
Candace Dinwiddie Executive Director, Tennessee Forestry Association
In Tennessee, logging has been a tradition in families and communities stretching back to the early days of settlers headed across the mountains. Our organization, the Tennessee Forestry Association, has proudly represented our loggers since 1951. We think the job our loggers do in the woods and in the community is truly the key to the success of our $24 billion wood products industry.
In 2008 when FMIC started writing logging workers comp in Tennessee, TFA realized quickly that FMIC offers exceptionally great insurance rates. Perhaps more importantly, FMIC, by working closely with our logging community, has change our culture from logging seen as a tough job to a respected profession.
TFA thanks Bryan Wagner, Greg Helton, Jeremy Helton and all the other FMIC staff who regularly works closely with our loggers to provide safety instruction and support. FMIC keeps our loggers up-to-date with information enhancing the profession so loggers are prepared to adapt to changing markets and safety regulations. Logging is a tough job but a profession that is regarded and appreciated in Tennessee. Our Tennessee Master Loggers and the Tennessee Forestry Association are very thankful for the leadership and the support FMIC staff provides our forestry family.
TFA also endorses FMIC for sawmill workers' comp and other commercial lines. Tennessee is very proud to endorse FMIC and will strive to work closely with FMIC staff to grow the client base in the Volunteer State.
TRAINING DEMONSTRATION OF THE HINGE-CUT BY FORESTRY MUTUAL, GREG HELTON, CHAINSAW & LOGGING TRAINER GREG HELTON, CHAINSAW & LOGGING TRAINER JEREMY HELTON, FORESTRY MUTUAL, GIVING A TRUCK DRIVER SAFETY CLASS
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. face a high risk of injury if Lock-out/Tag-out is not properly implemented. Lock-out/Tag-out pre vents an estimated 60,000 injuries in the U.S. alone each year. Lock-out/Tag-out procedures are neces sary 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 lock-out procedures vary by industry, type of equipment used, 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 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.
"Safety is a full-time job, don't make it a part-time practice."
Crad Jaynes, President, South Carolina Timber Producers Assoc.
SC Timber Producers Association is proud to endorse and be a partner with Forestry Mutual Insurance Company as our association's workers' compensation and employers' liability carrier. Our relationship started twenty years ago when our association began our Property and Casualty Insurance Program.
Forestry Mutual Insurance Company (FMIC) representatives presented to the SCTPA board of directors. The board was impressed with the presentation of products and services and the professionalism displayed. The board was quick to decide to support and endorse the company.
One of the essential factors FMIC has is its knowledge of the timber harvesting and forestry industries. Hav ing been involved previously in loss control and insur ance services before coming to SCTPA, working and servicing loggers throughout the Southeast, it was clear the personnel and company had excellent industry experience. As it is said in the insurance industry, "you better know and understand what you are insuring." It is so important to know what and who you are insuring.
One critical service to reduce loss risks is safety and loss control. FMIC provides loss control and safety services at a high degree of performance. Their safety staff is experienced and knowledgeable of
the risks and hazards associated with the timber harvesting and timber trucking segments. Forestry Mutual knows and understands how to assist in reducing the potential for accidents and losses. While not all accidents can be prevented, providing proper safety guidance through services and programs can reduce or eliminate many risks and losses.
Forestry Mutuals agents and service staffs are knowledgeable and experienced in providing their clients with assistance on insurance policies and coverages. An experienced and knowledgeable staff assures policyholders that their insurance needs are handled properly.
Forestry Mutual has supported SCTPA financially and has been an Allied Supplier Member all these years. FMIC is a regular annual meeting sponsor and participant. Their SC staff has attended SCTPA district meetings and assisted in the SC SFI Timber Operations Professional (TOP) Logger Training Program. The company produces high-quality safety videos that SCTPA has used over the years. Being a partner with FMIC is very beneficial to SCTPA and our members. Again, SCTPA is proud to endorse Forestry Mutual Insurance Company and be a partner with them.
Leadership is a central role in every activity we know about in life. Virginia Loggers Association has been blessed with great leaders since its creation in 2002. Our leadership was built upon the idea that hard work and strong ethics were keys to success. VLA is very fortunate to have been led by excellent leaders 20 years ago and today! In 2002, the first President had to find a way to ensure loggers were represented and had a way to express their interests, concerns, and solutions.
Today is no different. VLA still faces challenges but as an officially created trade association. Frank Myers has been our president since 2020 and he actively advocates for the forest products industry and strong businesses. Frank is the perfect VLA leader to build the next platform of achievement with Bill Dine, the new President &CEO with FMIC. Bill attended the VLA Board meeting in Williamsburg, VA and our 2022 annual conference. Bill spoke optimistically about the future relationship between state logging associations and FMIC.
Leaders from each organization have moved the industry to reach inspirational level goals over the last several decades and our leaders today will do the same. We believe that each organization aspires to a vision that includes many of the same attributes. Both want to achieve notable accomplishments for their members and policy holders. Both want to achieve a
reputation for excellence and a touch of class along their pathway to the future. And among many other things, both must earn the respect that comes with highest ethics and advocacy of its constituents.
Forestry Mutual Insurance just celebrated its 50th year anniversary and VLA its 20th anniversary. Each organization has great people who dedicate time and talent to ensure each is prepared to seize the next right moment of opportunity. Speaking only on behalf of VLA’s timeline leaders from its beginning in 2002 have examined their past and present, looked far into their future, and wisely chose their next goals and course. We imagine that every state trade association has done the same.
VLA set its bylaws and mission around members of Virginia’s logging community. We encouraged safety, professionalism, ethics, environmental care, probusiness governing leadership, and helping others. Despite a few bumps along the way, VLA has grown and is proud to say its membership is still primarily loggers but also contains significant support by wood mills, banking, equipment, insurance, business services, private individuals, consultant foresters, university, state, and legal counsel membership. This diversity of membership has helped VLA to grow stronger and become more respected in the forest products community.
Forestry Mutual Insurance and VLA have grown in respect, strength, and mutual support. Markets and competition for business is keen these days, so market share taking some of our membership base that historically came from the Forestry Mutual relationship with VLA. However, VLA sees this as normal business cycle volatility. VLA builds and maintains good relationships with its members and other businesses. We work tirelessly to build value with our members, so they see that VLA is a good investment and worth every penny whether Forestry Mutual pays their membership dues or they do.
Despite a normal amount of market volatility, we see a healthy and robust future. The economy will improve, and we believe Virginia will continue to hold a prominent place in its economy. Now forest products rank as the third largest industry in Virginia behind agriculture & tourism.
We believe Bill and Frank will display great wisdom and make wise choices to help both organizations. VLA and Forestry Mutual Insurance have built solid platforms and many now depend upon them to be the advocates for their businesses. We are confident that we will build even stronger ties with each other!
As the weather turns cold, there is something special about cooking a hearty pot of soup. This soup comes together quickly for a perfect weekday meal, and the garlic and herbs take this sandwich to the next level.
16 ounces Italian ground sausage or spicy sausage
2 tablespoons of olive oil
3/4 cup diced white onion
2 stalks of celery (thinly sliced)
2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cups chicken broth
1-14 oz. can of diced tomatoes (do not drain) 2-15 oz. cans of white beans (drained and rinsed) 3 cups baby spinach or kale
In a large pot, brown the ground sausage. Next, add the olive oil, onion, celery, and carrots to the pot, and cook for 4-5 minutes or until just softened. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and white beans. Bring the pot to a simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the spinach is wilted and serve or put on low to keep warm.
2 cloves of minced garlic
4 tablespoons of butter softened 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil
2 slices of mozzarella cheese
Sliced bread
In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, and basil. Spread a small amount on each slice of bread you prefer. Thinly sliced Italian or sourdough are good choices. Heat a non-stick skillet on medium heat. Butter side down, place two slices of bread on the skillet. Place 2 slices of mozzarella cheese on the bread. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the bread becomes a golden-brown color. Flip the sandwich on the other side and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
This Winter issue recipe is Tuscan White Bean Soup and Garlic Herb Grilled Cheese.In the fall of 2019, four videos were produced that addressed current-day issues by telling authentic stories of incidents among our policyholders. Topics covered include Lock Out / Tag Out and proper felling techniques. These videos range from 3 minutes to 10 minutes long. They tell real-life stories by reproducing the actual event and the lessons learned from others' mistakes. We have expanded our library of content this year to include Truck Driver SafetyThe Five Safe Driving Habits, 10-Point Commentary, a Mill Orientation video, and a short safety video on "Why We Wear PPE."
So what's next?
Our goal is to continue addressing the safety issues that our members are facing. This year, we anticipate a new Trucking Pre-Trip and Post-Trip inspection video. We also look forward to producing a new Fork lift safety video for 2023. Forestry Mutual is proud of the results of our TVC Committee. We strongly believe their work will continue to enhance our training program through these reproductions of real-life events. We appreciate the time and effort of these committee members, who clearly demonstrate the commitment of Forestry Mutual to provide a safer work environment for our policyholders and their employees through training and education.
We encourage our members to contact their Forestry Mutual Field Representative to view any or all of these videos. Our staff will be more than happy to show these videos to you and your employees and hopefully make your operation safer today and in the future!
DAVID McLEAN, FORESTRY MUTUAL FIELD REPRESENTATIVE & TRUCKING SAFETY INSTRUCTOR
