INSIDE OUR 1ST QUARTER 2025 EDITION: PARTNERSHIPS IN FORESTRY - RISK ASSESSMENT - SAW SHOP
FOREST INSURANCE FORECAST
Bill Dine, CEO, Forestry Mutual Insurance, gives his highlights from 2024 include cost savings, enhanced services, and digital communications. Looking ahead, we’re focused on innovation, reliability, and partnership.
By Bill Dine, CEO
Forestry Mutual Insurance Company
Rooted in Success, Growing Toward Tomorrow: Protecting What Matters Most
As we step into 2025, the events of the past year remain fresh in our minds. Two major hurricanes devastated many of our customers, families, and friends, underscoring the critical importance of insurance coverage that’s not only comprehensive but truly sufficient to weather unexpected disasters.
At Forestry Mutual Insurance, we’ve always been committed to being more than an insurance provider— we’re your partner in protecting what matters most. This past year, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating consequences of underinsurance and the hidden costs that come with cutting corners.
Whether it’s your business or personal property, now is the time to review your insurance program to ensure you have the coverage you need to face life’s uncertainties.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM 2024
As someone with decades in the insurance industry, I’ve seen countless examples of how insufficient coverage can turn a crisis into a financial catastrophe. One of the most memorable moments in my career was when a customer canceled his homeowner’s insurance after paying off his mortgage. He believed the expense was unnecessary—until a fire destroyed his home just weeks later, leaving his family with no financial support to rebuild.
These experiences have taught me a valuable lesson: insurance isn’t just about financial protection; it’s about peace of mind.
THE RISKS OF BEING UNDERINSURED
Being underinsured—or uninsured altogether—can have devastating consequences. Here are three key considerations to ensure your coverage is adequate:
1. Do You Have Proper Limits to Cover a Loss? Regularly review your policies to ensure your limits keep pace with inflation and current market costs for rebuilding or repairs. Outdated policies can leave you with significant out-of-pocket expenses.
2. Are You Prioritizing Price Over Protection? The cheapest policy may save a few dollars now, but inadequate coverage can lead to massive financial burdens during a disaster. Balance affordability with comprehensive protection.
3. What Happens When Catastrophe Strikes? Hurricanes, floods, and other disasters emphasize the need for robust insurance. Without proper coverage, recovery can mean depleting savings or taking on significant debt.
FLOOD INSURANCE: A CRITICAL SAFETY NET
One of the most overlooked coverages is flood insurance, which is excluded from standard homeowners and business policies. Yet flooding is one of the most common and costly disasters.
Even properties outside high-risk zones are vulnerable—25% of flood claims come from low-risk areas. With just one inch of water causing over $25,000 in damages, flood insurance is essential for protecting your home or business from financial devastation.
TAKE ACTION TODAY
2024 reminded us all of the importance of being prepared. Now is the time to review your insurance program to ensure your limits are sufficient, your coverage is comprehensive, and you’re protected against overlooked risks like flooding.
At Forestry Mutual, we’re here to help you navigate these decisions. Our Loss Control team continues to work tirelessly to support your safety, and I encourage you to reach out to Greg Plumley, our Loss Control Director, at gplumley@forestrymutual.com if you’d like to learn more about how our training and educational resources can help safeguard your business.
As we move into 2025, let’s remain rooted in success and grow toward tomorrow. Thank you for trusting Forestry Mutual Insurance to protect what matters most to you. Here’s to a safe and prosperous year for all.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a final rule requiring employers to notify OSHA when an employee is killed on the job or suffers a work-related hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye.
Under the revised severe injury rule, employers will be required to notify OSHA of work-related fatalities within 8 hours and work-related in-patient hospitalizations, amputations, or losses of an eye within 24 hours.
Previously, OSHA’s regulations required an employer to report only work-related fatalities and in-patient hospitalizations of three or more employees. Reporting single hospitalizations, amputations, or loss of an eye was not required under the previous rule.
The rule, which also updates the list of employers partially exempt from OSHA record-keeping requirements, this requirement went into effect on Jan. 1, 2015, for workplaces under federal OSHA jurisdiction. The new rule maintains the exemption for any employer with ten or fewer employees, regardless of industry classification, from the requirement to routinely keep records of worker injuries and illnesses.
All employers covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, even those exempt from maintaining injury and illness records, must comply with OSHA’s new severe injury and illness reporting requirements.
To assist employers, OSHA has implemented a web portal for employers to report incidents electronically, in addition to the phone reporting options.
For more information, go to: https://www.osha.gov/severeinjury
Truck Driver Spotlight
By Philip Sligh Region 20 Field Representative
FMIC is pleased to highlight the accomplishments of our policyholder, Gaston Logging, LLC, which is in Union, SC. Mr. Jack Gaston, the owner, has been with Forestry Mutual since 2010. Gaston Logging was also our 2018 P.K. Pittman Award winner for South Carolina.
Gaston Logging, LLC is an exceptional crew with no in-woods or over-the-road accidents since they have had insurance with FMIC. Mr. Gaston stated that he is very happy with his truck drivers and views himself as fortunate to have such good ones hauling for his crew. Mr. Gaston never worries about how his drivers may conduct themselves at the mill or on the road because he has some very respectful drivers. One of the good ones is Mr. Adlai Durham.
The first thing one notices about Mr. Adlai Durham is that he wears a prosthetic arm (Hook) on his right side. While working with his family, Mr. Durham lost his arm below the elbow in a logging accident several years ago. A tree crushed his arm, causing the doctor to amputate from his elbow down because all the bones were crushed in his forearm and hand. This injury did not slow Mr. Durham down. Mr. Durham has been driving a truck since 1991 but has also worked in the woods and can run every piece of machinery on the job. Mr. Durham ("Hook"), his CB handle, awakes every working day around 4:30 and starts his day. Mr. Durham stated that he drinks 64 oz of coffee each day. He drinks 32 oz before leaving his home and the other 32 oz during the workday. Around 6:15, the crew meets at the job site to get the day started.
Hook is a big fan of the dash cameras used on his truck as he says, "They don't lie."
At lunchtime, the whole crew gathers around a picnic table that goes to every site the crew moves to. They may not sit long at the table, but it gives the crew a sense of togetherness, if only briefly. After lunch, the crew returns to work, and Mr. Durham returns to hauling.
Sometimes, while the truck is being loaded, Mr. Durham likes to get out and take walks down the highway or whatever path may be deemed safe, but never in the woods around working equipment. He says those walks allow him time to clear his head and
give blood flow to the rest of his body after sitting in that truck for an extended period.
Mr. Durham is not the only truck driver in his family. He has two brothers who also drive. Mr. Durham states that he has seen a lot of changes in being on the road for years. Saying courteous drivers are few and far between anymore, and everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere. He says cell phone usage prevents people from paying attention and that a truck driver must be on his top game when driving. Mr. Durham also states that not all technology is bad, as he is a big fan of the dash cameras used on his truck as he says, "They don't lie."
When Mr. Durham is not driving, he enjoys spending time with his wife and watching westerns on TV. He and his wife have two children. Mr. Durham says he and his wife just returned from Boston, Mass., to visit the historic city. I asked how his flight was, and he responded, "What flight? We drove." Of course, they drove. I should not have expected anything less from a professional driver.
Mr. Durham (aka Hook) keeps a bag of Jolly Ranchers in his truck, and he saves all the blue ones for Mr. Jack's granddaughters because he knows they are their favorite. Those granddaughters look forward to seeing Mr. Durham pull in to fuel up. They come running out to see him and get their long-awaited Blue Jolly Ranchers. Mr. Durham loves his family, loves his job, and loves to work, but most of all, he loves God.
From all of us at Forestry Mutual, we want to let Mr. Durham know that we really appreciate his professionalism and expertise behind the wheel.
By Greg Plumley Loss Control Director
POOR DRIVING HABITS
Have you noticed that whenever you turn on the news, a deadly vehicle wreck is reported? In the past year, 2024, our company has experienced fatalities and severe injuries resulting from some of the wrecks that were reported on the evening broadcasts.
As you drive, you have probably experienced one of the negative impacts of a bad accident - sitting for hours on the road waiting for the area to be cleaned up and the wreckage removed. There are other impacts, such as business interruptions, including late deliveries, hour of service violations due to traffic congestion, grief for the families and their loss, and overworked trauma centers, emergency rooms, law enforcement, and emergency response personnel.
Several leading automobile insurance companies have done statistical analysis of these crashes and found not one but many areas are underlying causes. These crashes set in motion a chain of events that impacted so many individuals, families, and businesses. It is not only the victims and their families that are affected by the crash, but they take a toll on the mental health of company employees and the first responders/law enforcement personnel as well. How troubling to have to call and inform a parent that their child was killed or is struggling to hold onto their life in an emergency room.
Some of these same studies from the insurance industry have yielded a list of causes for the most severe and deadly crashes. Here are some of the leading causes/poor driving habits:
• Failure to stay in your lane or improper lane changes
• Failure to yield the right of way – especially on ramps
• Overcorrecting in a bad situation
• Not adjusting speed to meet the road surface conditions (wet, ice, etc.)
• Improper turns – no signaling or deliberate crossing into other lanes
• Driving your vehicle on the wrong side of the road
• Not adjusting speed for construction/obstructions (items falling off trucks/animals/mattresses/work zones)
• Not having a safe vehicle or all required equipment
• Distractions – cell phone use/eating/drinking/reading
Drivers face the serious threat of a vehicle crash daily. Studies show cell phone distraction is the leading cause of distraction crashes. I know folks are tired of hearing about it, but mobile phones cause distractions and remove the precious seconds needed to react to an immediate threat. Many corporations have established a “best safety practice” by implementing policies that prohibit employee cell phone use while driving. Does your company have a policy?
Company owners, supervisors, and managers must make sure you have done everything possible to prevent an accident. Brief your employees constantly on the many poor driving habits that can cause accidents. Establish policies for company vehicles. Make sure your employees know that you require a post-accident drug and alcohol test. Do your part to make sure that every employee can go home each day.
ANNUAL REMINDER
Greg Plumley – Director of Loss Control
Claims Reporting and Drug & Alcohol Screening
Requirements
The following information assists policyholders in meeting their obligation for properly reporting injuries to Forestry Mutual and explaining when a drug & alcohol screening is required. Policy and procedures can be located in the FMIC Operations Manual Section F Claims Reporting.
1. FMIC Operations Manual, Section III, Loss Control Procedures, F, Claims Reporting, 3. a. states:
All policyholders are required to notify the Mutual of any employee accident, for which a doctor’s visit is needed within 24 hours of the date on which the policyholder or any of its supervisory personnel is first made aware of the injury. Should the policyholder fail to provide such notice, the Mutual may deny coverage for the unreported claim and may seek reimbursement by the policyholder for any payments made by the Mutual as the result of the unreported claim.
A. Call 1-800-849-7788 to report claims promptly or use the appropriate State forms on our website. www.forestrymutual.com Click on the claims box on the left side.
B. If you feel a claim is not legitimate, report your suspicions as soon as possible.
C. If you have any questions regarding the status of a claim, reporting a claim, completing a form, or the validity of a claim, please get in touch with the claims
department immediately.
D. It is imperative that the policyholder immediately notifies the claims department when a claimant returns to work. Also, any change that you feel may affect the claimant’s status, such as termination of employment, knowledge of another job, etc., should be reported immediately.
2. FMIC Operations Manual, Section III, Loss Control Procedures, F, Claims Reporting, 3.b. states:
Any injury to an employee that requires emergency treatment at a medical facility will require a drug and alcohol screen by that treating facility. It is the policyholder’s responsibility to order the drug and alcohol screen from the treating facility. If the policyholder cannot obtain a drug and alcohol screening at the time of treatment, immediately contact the Mutual’s claims department at 1-800-849-7788 and request their intervention. If, in any case, the employer fails to fulfill this requirement, the Mutual may deny coverage of the claim.
3. Techniques to Reduce Claims Costs
The best way to control the cost of both your minor and major compensation claim is to avoid the emergency room when possible. We encourage all policyholders to establish themselves with a local general practitioner and orthopedic group with the understanding that when feasible, all injured employees will be directed to one of these doctors first as opposed to the emergency room.
4. OSHA Record-keeping Requirements
OSHA requires employers to post a summary of the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred during the previous calendar year. Summaries must be posted from February 1 to April 30, 2022. However, employers need only post the Summary (OSHA Form 300A), not the OSHA 300 Log. If you had no recordable injuries or illnesses in 2021, you still must post the form with zeros on the total line.
Post the OSHA 300A Summary in a common area such as a break room, on a bulletin board, or wherever you post other important notices to employees so that employees can view it. Also, a reminder that employers with ten (10) or fewer employees and employers in certain industry groups are normally exempt from federal OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping and posting requirements. For more information regarding OSHA recording-keeping requirements, go to: Occupational Safety and Health Administration https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/forms
IN THE EYE OF THE STORM
On September 27, 2024,
Hurricane Helene hit a large portion of Forestry Mutual’s footprint was hit by Hurricane Helene. Areas of Western North Carolina, East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia were devastated by this storm. We have seen historical flooding like it has not been seen in the area for more than 100 years. Creeks and streams that normally you could step over, became raging rivers wiping out everything in its path. The ground, already saturated by the rain that passed through the day before, gave way during the additional rain from the hurricane. Mudslides came down from the mountainsides changing the scope of the terrain. Winding roads that tracked around the mountainside were washed away, leaving the houses still standing inaccessible by vehicles. The less fortunate houses were transported by the rushing water, mud, and debris either to a new resting place or destroyed leaving only a trail of remanence.
Timber that once stood tall on the ridges was carried into the valleys. Large red and white oaks, heavy with acorns and still carrying their summer sails, were laid over by the high winds, toppling powerlines and blocking roads in and out.
Then there are the losses that cannot be replaced. The countless lives that have been taken. The total number may not ever be known. It is one thing to see pictures of areas hit by such devastation, but when you see it firsthand, the impact becomes real.
Through all this devastation, there has been some good seen after the storm. We have seen communities come together, regardless of color, race, religion, or political choice. Neighbors helping neighbors, c hurches helping communities, and strangers who lost everything themselves, helping others who lost everything. We have seen supplies and donations come in from all over the United States.
SAW SHOP
By Greg Helton, Chainsaw & Logging Safety Trainer
People not even near the path of the storm coming together to rally support for those affected. We have seen volunteers drop what they are doing, putting their jobs on hold, loading up equipment, and coming out to help. Loggers reach out to help other loggers in a time of need, many of them not asking for anything in return. Farmers haul hay and fencing supplies to farms that have lost their winter supply or their fences to keep their livestock in. To sum it all up, we have seen the Love of God shown through people. That means everything!
Now there is something we don’t want to see. That is the increase in injuries and lives lost while cleaning up the devastation. We use a picture in the NC ProLogger base class that shows the number of fatalities to date in logging since the start of the ProLogger in 1994. It is interesting to see because each year that has a high number is the year following a major hurricane. We do not want to see that number increase in the coming years. The damage left behind by these storms is one of the most dangerous situations that a chainsaw operator can work in. Whether you are volunteering out of the kindness of your heart or being paid to cut and clean up the damage, the hazards are the same and the risk is still prevalent.
Here are a few tips to help keep chainsaw operators safe while tackling the storm damage cleanup.
1. WEAR YOUR PPE! Don’t let one emergency produce another emergency.
• Protect your legs. Wear chainsaw protective chaps or pants while operating the chainsaw. They will help reduce the risk of severe laceration if the chainsaw comes in contact with your leg.
• Protect your head. There are still numerous overhead hazards that have not been released after the storm. A hard hat will give you protection from falling limbs or debris.
• Protect your eyes. Safety glasses will prevent unwanted particles from entering the eyes and causing injuries.
• Protect your ears. Wear hearing protection while operating the chainsaw. It may not be an injury that is noticed immediately, but in time you will notice the loss of hearing. By then it will be too late.
• Protect your feet. Proper footwear is important while operating a chainsaw. Chainsaw protective boots are recommended.
• Protect your body. Wear high-visibility clothing especially while working around equipment. This allows the operator and other workers to see you better.
2. CHECK THE AREA FOR SAFETY! Before starting to cut:
• Check for downed power lines.
• Check for overhead hazards suspended over the work area.
• Check for other workers in the same area.
• Maintain good communication with each other and equipment operators.
3. CAREFULLY LOOK at the debris you are cutting.
• Watch for the tension and compression. Look for the binds. In storm damage, there may be multiple binds; Top, Bottom, Side, and End Bind.
• Watch your body placement. Anticipate the
direction of movement and position your body out of the swing path.
• Look for spring poles.
4. MAKING THE CUTS.
• Be sure that only one sawyer cuts on a stem at a time.
• Cut slow! Watch the kerf to anticipate the movement.
• Use limb locks and top locks when possible.
• Use the chain brake when not cutting.
• Remember to wrap your left thumb around the handle.
• Maintain a firm grip with both hands on the chainsaw when cutting.
• Secure your footing. A proper stance will help keep you balanced.
• Remember the reactive forces of the chainsaw: Push, Pull, Kickback, and Attack.
Whether you are volunteering or working your job, protect yourself. Keep these tips in mind as you tackle this storm damage. We don’t want to see the number of fatalities increase for next year. Make your main goal that everyone goes home at the end of the day. If you would like to request additional training for your employees contact your Field Representative.
BE SAFE!
MISSISSIPPI
Mississippi Forestry Association
2024 WAS A YEAR OF TREMENDOUS GROWTH FOR MFA
Casey Anderson, Mississippi Forestry Association Executive Director
policy. The meeting was a great success and reminds us that collaboration plays an important role within the forestry community.
Additionally, MFA participated in National Forest Products Week in October by once again having Governor Tate Reeves declare the week as Mississippi Forest Products Week. Mississippi’s leadership in sustainable forest management and wood products production was showcased, helping to further establish the state’s reputation in these critical sectors.
As we transition into 2025, MFA remains focused on several key priorities. Our advocacy efforts will continue to push for policies that support sustainable forestry practices, forestland conservation, and the growth of the forest products industry. These efforts are crucial to ensuring the long-term health and prosperity of Mississippi’s forests and everyone who depends on them.
MFA is also excited to grow our educational efforts this year. We plan to offer additional workshops and training sessions for educators, including opportunities for teachers and homeschool families to learn about forestry. Our goal is to increase understanding of forest management and conservation from an early age, growing the next generation of stewards and, hopefully, additional workers for the forest industry.
In addition, MFA is ramping up our workforce development programs, thanks to support from outside grant sources. These initiatives will help build a skilled, diverse workforce to meet the needs of the forest industry for years to come, from entry-level positions to more advanced roles.
As 2025 begins, Mississippi Forestry Association reflects on a productive and impactful 2024. From advocacy to education and outreach, MFA has stayed true to its mission of supporting the state’s forest landowners, forestry professionals, and environmental stewardship efforts.
A highlight of the fall was the MFA Annual Meeting, held in late October. This event brought together industry leaders, landowners, and forestry professionals from across Mississippi to network, exchange knowledge, and explore the latest advancements in forestry. Speakers covered a broad range of topics, from timber management to forest health and
2024 was a year of tremendous growth for MFA. Expanding our staff allowed us to take on new roles and programs, allowing us to better serve our members and strengthen the forest industry. We are fortunate to have a talented, dedicated team working on behalf of our members, and I appreciate their commitment and hard work.
Our staff’s work is only possible thanks to members and partners such as Forestry Mutual. We appreciate the constant support Forestry Mutual provides our association, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for the benefit of forestry members across Mississippi.
MFA Executive Director Casey Anderson, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, and MFA Director of Communications Lauren Hawkins celebrated Mississippi Forest Products Week in October.
SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina Timber Producers Associations
ROOTED IN SUCCESS… GROWING FOR TOMORROW
Crad Jaynes, South Carolina Timber Producers Asocc. President
As the new year begins, reflecting makes the realization that 2024 was one of the most challenging years in the timber harvesting, forestry and forest products sectors in South Carolina that I have witnessed in my 48-year career.
Pulp and paper mill closures, sawmill reductions in operation hours, high logging operational costs, loss of in woods work force, reduced and lost markets, reduced wood flows, logging business closures and lower profitability seems to lead the way for the wood production and wood utilization segments.
Yet one aspect is true. Our industry, the logging segment, is and always has been resilient and made up of survivors. While not all is doom and gloom, there is an optimism among the ranks. “Why?” That may be a question that needs to be answered.
The national election results indicate an optimism for the country and our economy with the new administration and President coming into Washington, DC. Our national and state economies should see positive movements with the forest products industry benefitting from lower inflation and steadier markets resulting in increased wood usage.
Even state economies should see positive movements with increased forest products production and thus more wood volume being consumed. Hopefully new
wood-using markets will locate in the Palmetto State to help consume the excess wood volume available, particularly pulpwood on the market due to mill closures and cutbacks.
SCTPA participates on the SC Forest Recovery Task Force. This was formed to bring together forest industry stakeholders to advocate for wood consuming markets to locate in SC. The wood resources are available. It’s just that wood consuming markets have been reduced. Efforts continue to locate a Bulk Agriculture and Forest Products terminal in the Post of Charleston.
SCTPA continues to advocate and support reasonable tort reform in SC. This is a priority for the state. Even though the state elections resulted in changes in the SC Senate, much effort to push the SC Justice Act across the finish line in the new legislative session is needed. The high, unreasonable and so-called nuclear settlements promoted by the plaintiffs’ attorneys has driven liability insurance costs through the roof. This has got to change.
SCTPA is proud to partner with Forestry Mutual Insurance Company and endorse the company as its preferred Workers Compensation and Employers Liability carrier. Forestry Mutual works with the association in supporting our efforts of advocacy and outreach. Forestry Mutual provides representatives to participate in various forestry committees.
Forestry Mutual has always had a presence with SCTPA. For over twenty-plus years our partnership with Forestry Mutual has been mutually beneficial.
Rooted in Success…Growing for Tomorrow is a positive approach for Forestry Mutual, SCTPA, SC’s forestry and timber harvesting segments for the future.
NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina Forestry Association
LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS MAKE THE BEST PARTNERSHIPS
John Hatcher, North Carolina Forestry Association Executive Director
53 Years of Dedicated Partnership
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 the 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 – which celebrated its 30th birthday this year! –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. With FMIC’s involvement, the ProLogger Program consistently sees success, adding approximately 100 new members to its ranks and providing continuing education to approximately 1300 loggers per year.
In addition to FMIC’s contributions to the ProLogger program, their team remains active on the NCFA board of directors as well as its 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 NCFA is proud to be celebrating 53 years of partnership with FMIC. Long-term relationships really do make the best partnerships, and we see the proof every day. Here’s to 53 more!
AM BEST in 2024 affirmed our insurance ranking as A- Excellent rating. Forestry Mutual offers our outstanding insurance programs and phenomenal customer service to a new list of companies like never before. If you have any below-listed services or know of someone who does, keep Forestry Mutual in mind and get your quote today. Together we can make a difference.
LOGGING OPERATIONS:
- Log Hauling
- Non-Mechanized Logging
- Mechanized Logging
- Excavating
- Stump Removal Operations
- Grading (Forestry Roads)
- Right of Way Clearing
- Chipping Operations
SAWMILL, PALLET, LUMBER MILLS:
- Sawmill Operations
- Permanent & Portable
- Planing Operations
- Pallet Manufacturing
- Mulch & Grinding Operations
- Barrel Manufacturing
- Log Home Manufacturing
- Plywood Manufacturing
- Veneer Mills
- Dry Kiln Operations
- Resaw Operations
- Box & Crate Manufacturing
- Truss Manufacturing
- Wood Flooring Manufacturing
WOOD RELATED OPERATIONS:
- Cabinet Manufacturing
- Wood Furniture Manufacturing
- Furniture Stock Manufacturing
- Furniture Frame Shops
- Furniture Assembly Operations
- Wood Turning Operations
- Carpentry Shops
- Church Pew & Altar Manufacturing
- Moulding & Millwork
- Wooden Door Manufacturing
- Casket Manufacturing
- Wood Component Operations
To learn more about the added lines of insurance service Forestry Mutual can offer.
Visit www.forestrymutual.com
Call 800-849-7788 to have an agent reach out to you today
Email us at info@forestrymutual.com to set up an appointment.
TENNESSEE Tennessee Forestry Association
GROWING TOGETHER IN TENNESSEE
Candace Dinwiddie Executive Director, Tennessee Forestry Association
The Tennessee Forestry Association (TFA) proudly endorses the Forestry Mutual Insurance Company for workers comp coverage for our members. Thanks to the excellent staff, service, loss control priority, FMIC has become the go-to work comp carrier in Tennessee for loggers and our wood industry.
TFA thanks FMIC for its tremendous support of our industry in Tennessee. Certainly, our TFA roots have become stronger and healthier due to the successful partnership with FMIC. With the emphasis on loss control and great communications skills with the logging force and wood industries across the Volunteer State, FMIC is truly the recognized leader as a workers compensation insurance provider.
Strong roots grow healthy forests and healthy collaborations. TFA realizes that the cooperative spirit of the FMIC leadership and its staff exceeds the standard set with insurance companies, clients and association partners. Tennessee has strong roots in the volunteer attitude and FMIC leadership and staff have always been available to our organization and membership to help with safety education and outreach and affordable workers compensation rates.
Tennessee loggers and industry trust FMIC and TFA to continue to grow together to best support our future rooted in a tradition of cooperation. The Tennessee Master Logger program has depended on the excellent safety training provided by FMIC staff since 2006. FMIC has partnered with our Master Logger program, and the training provided has certainly ensured that safety is a top priority with Tennessee loggers. Industries across our state are so appreciative of those friendly and knowledge FMIC staff members who have become part of our Tennessee forestry family. At TFA we are proud to continue to grow our roots and do our best to support FMIC to achieve an even more productive partnership in the future.
2025 will be a New Year with new growth opportunities. Thank you FMIC for the privilege to work with your staff to strengthen our roots together during this new year.
Counce Graduation June 2024
Clarksville Master Logger Graduation June 2024
VIRGINIA
Virginia Loggers Association
LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS MAKE THE BEST PARTNERSHIPS
Ron Jenkins, Executive Director, Virginia Loggers Association
How could two very different organizations ever find a common goal? Well, that is not as difficult as it sounds. Forestry Mutual Insurance Company and Virginia Loggers Association is an example of how two organizations can bring success by joining forces on a common goal. Success is achieved when different organizations decide on a common path which links them at the “hip” to meet the many challenges which lie along the chosen goal. The road to success has challenges but it also contains a lot of celebrations for smaller achievements…. the big goal is the long term one that charts the course for amazing success!
Insurance companies need clients to take out insurance policies and grow their company. Logging has unique insurance needs and is not easy to find a lot of willing insurance companies. FMIC was the company who stepped up specifically to give loggers a pathway to fulfill their business goals with a back-up plan to carry them through serious accidents.
So, FMIC and VLA both had common needs and successful leaders believed in the possible! As we know, loggers can be extremely independent and slow to trust outside sources until the trust has been earned.
FMIC needed a pathway into the logging community. States which had formed a trade association were natural pathways to more companies for insurance products.
Beyond this obvious fact, I still think the leaders in FMIC and VLA were the single most important reason that these two organizations decided to join forces and continue to this day as a highly successful partnership.
Along the crooked path we must take, recognizing smaller achievements gives the partners small rewards that the path chosen is the right one while building partners’ resilience to overcome the next hurdle. What this means for FMIC and VLA is that an insurance company and a logging trade association saw something in a partnership which would lead to big success for both. Being tasked to examine this for a short article requires us to draw on the writer’s understanding by looking under the “hood” to use a metaphor and do a very quick diagnostic.
Time has tested both including the woven fabric of the partnership and we are strong. We still see this as a strong alliance ready to face the future and move forward with strength and confidence.
During this season, VLA would like to offer its sincerest gratitude to FMIC for a partnership that sustains us, and grows stronger each day!
(l-r) Vance Wright, Frank Myers, Bill Dine, Chad Shelton 2023
Greg Plumley Presents Annual Safety Award to CK Greene 2015
COLD WEATHER SAFETY TIPS
Logging operations in the Southeastern United States during the winter vary greatly depending on the region where you operate. Whether you're in the sandhills of South Carolina or the Mountains of Tennessee, the severity of the weather can swing without notice. This year has had some cold temperatures, and we want to be sure we are all prepared.
Forestry Mutual, as always, has industry safety in mind when we send out reminders and precautions for hazards that occur during the winter months when working outdoors as loggers. In cold weather, your saws, trees, and bodies react differently. By taking simple precautions, everyone can go home safely at the end of each day.
YOUR BODY:
It's not rocket science, and it makes sense to dress differently in cold weather, we all know this, but we remind you that layering is a suitable method. In the chilly mornings and after your body warms up, you may need to shed a layer, but keep that layer of clothing close. If you stop working to chat with a coworker or forester, you may need extra clothes to maintain your core body temperature.
• Having the right gear will make all the difference in keeping you warm.
• Wear gloves with liners.
• Start slowly or do some light exercise in the morning to get your body warm and blood flowing.
• If you get too cold, start a fire (if landowners allow it) or go to the truck and warm up.
• Don't rush!
• If working in the mountains, as you move to set chokers or walk around the landing, do it with caution.
• Be deliberate in where and how you step because the snow can mask hazards, and ice can create slip and trip hazards.
DEHYDRATION:
Dehydration in the winter is a severe health hazard. Many do not realize dehydrating is very easy because you don't feel as thirsty as in the summer months. Carry water with you and often drink, even if you are not sweating. Water escapes your body through your breathing/respiration in cold and dry conditions.
GEAR:
• No jacket or sweatshirt with hoods
- wear a stocking cap or beanie
• Thicker gloves or liners
• Extra socks
• Long johns or wool
• Extra set of clothes
• Rain gear
DRIVING:
Last but not least, winter brings many challenges to driving on log roads and highways. Please, refrain from pushing the limits of yourself, your equipment, and the environment. If the weather looks too bad, stay home.
Below are some winter driving tips that apply to the Forestry Mutual 10-Point Safety Checklist.
• Keep your vehicle in good working condition. Conduct your daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report issues to your supervisor.
• Scrape the snow and ice off your headlights, and always travel with headlights on.
• Ensure the vehicle is full of fuel before heading out to the woods.
• Slow down and take your time.
• Accelerate and stop slower.
• Maintain more room between you and the vehicle ahead.
• Black Ice: Slow down when approaching bridges, shady areas, intersections, and off-ramps.
• Keep an ice scraper, shovel, tow strap, and jumper cables in the vehicle.
• Keep extra clothes, food, and water in the vehicle.
• Drive for the current road conditions.
• Do not push your driving abilities.
Greg Plumley – Director of Loss Control
Forestry Mutual has been SETTING THE STANDARD in providing Workers’ Compensation Insurance for over 50 years.
You can count on these critical attributes when you let us care for your business and employees: We cover medical bills, lost wages, and return-to work assistance. We have proven injury management programs and a loss control team of experts that give hands-on training and safety advice to control your costs and provide the best possible outcome.
The wood products industry has counted on Forestry Mutual to protect their businesses and employees so they can get back to work.
