Forestry Mutual SPRING (2nd Qtr.) Magazine

FMIC FORESTRY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

SPRING 2021

FMIC TURNS 50!

INSIDE OUR NEW SPRING MAGAZINE

FMIC SPOTLIGHT

HOW TO

RETROFIT your TRAILER Landing Gear

AGENCY CORNER

“USE IT OR LOSE IT” Insurance pitfalls

SAW SHOP

It’s a SPRING THING with Bryan Wagner Nick Carter, AGENCY Manager, Forestry Mutual Insurance Company (FMIC Insurance Agency)

SKJ Moore Logging and C. Moore Trucking “One on one driver interviews”

FMIC PARTNERSHIPS IN FORESTRY Letters from our regional associations

THEN & NOW

Interview with Michael Walters Keith Biggs, President Forestry Mutual Insurance Company

SPRING 2021

CONTENTS

From the BIG Desk

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SPOTLIGHT FMIC

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Keith talks about FMIC’s 50th anniversary and how the future looks bright for our clients and staff.

by David Mclean We talk with the owners and drivers about how keeping safe on the road has built their success.

THEN & NOW Interview with Michael Walters 8 How forestry operations and forestry insurance has changed over the years.

Partnerships in Forestry

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Partnerships in Forestry

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North Carolina Forestry Association reflects on the importance of teamwork over the years.

Virginia Forestry Association speaks to the commitment to safety and education training

THE RISK ASSESSMENT

(Air lift Landing Gear Retrofit) 12

by Brian Macanka SC logger creates easy to retrofit landing gear system for log and chip trailers.

SAW SHOP (It’s a SPRING THING)

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AGENCY CORNER (Use it or Lose it!)

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Partnerships in Forestry

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FMIC KITCHEN - Mustard BBQ

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Staff Directory

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by Bryan Wagner The beauty of Spring can hide some demons for the forest worker on the ground.

by Alan Schaefer Today’s insurance climate is leaning more towards “use it and lose it.”

Mississippi Forestry Association; working together to protect our logging and manufacturing members.

by Jean-Paul (JP) Damé

BIG 50 Celebrating for the next

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twelve months our clients, employees and our success stories. These past 50 years could not have been possible without the dedication and and support from you.

FORESTRY MUTUAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR Michael Walters

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THEN & NOW

Personal stories of the growth and longevity at Forestry Mutual from Michael Walters

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The beauty of Spring can hide some demons for the forest worker on the ground.

SPOTLIGHT PROFILE

Mr. Shane Moore, has been a FMIC policyholder for 18 years and has not had a trucking injury since inception. We’d like to take the time to profile and share the success stories from his drivers in this indepth one on one interview.

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 3

FMIC SPRING 2021

FROM THE

BIG DESK President, Keith Biggs has some BIG news for the future of FMIC! 4

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his year marks a very special year for Forestry Mutual Insurance Company as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. We started this journey in 1971 as the North Carolina Forestry Association’s Self Insurer’s Fund and quickly became a major force in the workers compensation insurance market, specializing in the forest products industry across the Southeastern United States. As we spend the next twelve months celebrating our fifty years of dedication to the safety and insurance coverage of our clients, we will be bringing you monthly profiles stories of our clients, partners and staff who have made this incredible journey possible.

CELEBRATING THE PAST There are lessons to be learned from the past and I think for Forestry Mutual Insurance Company it comes down to two things. First, dream big! We had big dreams when we started Forestry Mutual and we made those dreams come true by turning them into goals and policy strategies. What we have achieved with our innovative Loss Control strategy, that was implemented by our staff, has gone far beyond our wildest dreams when we started this journey. Second, believe in our people and clients with passion. The ability to show resilience in difficult times, continued learning and a dedication to the well-being of our clients…our family, demonstrates our power of passion and perseverance!

Along our journey, we continued to do things no one else had done before and played a significant role in the industry – from being the first to pioneer stable and competitive rates to introducing safety programs in one of the most dangerous work environments.

Expanding in 1999 with The FMIC Agency and its expanded areas of insurance coverage was a bold transition as we listen to our clients’ needs.

extraordinary value to both Forestry Mutual Insurance Company and our customers. We thank our partners and associations for their commitment, expertise, and skills in helping us serve our 1,100+ customers around the country.

Handmade wooden logging equipment Created by Tony Havens Photo Credit: FMIC Staff Photographer

We strengthened our business, building a customer base that is unique in the insurance industry.

Forestry Mutual Insurance Company has, in the process, become one of the largest independent forest products insurers with a comprehensive level of expertise that meets our customers’ critical needs and drives our continued business growth.

IT’S ABOUT THE PEOPLE To our customers: Thank you for trusting us for so many years and making us the leader in our industry. We are honored to have your trust and will work tirelessly to continue to deserve it.

To our employees: I am grateful for the opportunity to work with talented, dedicated, and passionate people every day. Your commitment to put our customers first and to live our corporate values have been integral to Forestry Mutual Insurance Company’s progress and success.

To our partners: To be in business for 50 years, we recognize the importance of establishing collaborative partnerships with government agencies, insurance agencies and state associations that bring

SHAPING THE FUTURE This year, we are entering a new phase as a collaborative insurance service provider, offering our full suite of insurance solutions, Forestry Mutual Insurance Company and The FMIC Agency aim to provide everything our unique customer needs in a one-stop-shop suite of services. We are creating new services, transforming our operations, improving customer experience, and continuing to deliver value to you, our customers.

The journey hasn’t been easy. It takes courage, passion, boldness, and perseverance. As Forestry Mutual Insurance Company celebrates its 50th anniversary, let us toast our employees, customers and partners who have helped us change the way people insure their businesses while safeguarding their employees.

Let’s continue to shape the future together.

If you have any questions or suggestions on how we can better serve you, please don’t hesitate to give me a call.

Keith Biggs, President

Forestry Mutual Insurance Company

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MR. RANDY HAYES: Randy and his wife Barbara have two sons and four grandchildren.

Randy has been a professional truck driver for 33 years, 26 years with SKJ. Prior to being employed by SKJ, Randy drove OTR for C Lane & Colonial before finding a home at SKJ. FMIC: What has been the most significant change or obstacle in truck driving compared to 20 years ago?

Randy: The increase in traffic that has lead to more congested roads.

FMIC: What do you like about driving?

Randy: I have just done it all my life, and I guess it’s in my blood.

FMIC: What safety tips would you give other truck drivers or us?

Randy: Stay focused, keep your mind on the road, don’t let it wander, and don’t bring your problems behind that steering wheel.

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e are pleased to highlight the accomplishments of our policyholder SKJ Moore Logging LLC & C. Moore Trucking, out of Nakina, North Carolina. Owner, Mr. Shane Moore, has been a Forestry Mutual Insurance Company (FMIC) policyholder since November 2002.

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His operation has not had a trucking injury since inception.

Shane stated that he is very pleased with his operation and contributes a lot of his success to his drivers in his trucking FMIC SPRING 2021

operation. Finding a truck driver these days is like finding a needle in a haystack but finding a truck driver that is a perfect fit is even harder.

It’s compared to winning the lottery. Shane said that he is very fortunate to have such an experienced group of drivers working for him, and he trusts all of them to operate daily in a professional manner.

We would like to take the time to profile the truck drivers that work hard and elevate professionalism for SKJ Moore Logging LLC & C. Moore Trucking.

MR. MELTON MOORE: Melton and his wife Irene have four sons and four great-grandchildren. Melton has been a professional truck driver for 53 years, 15 years with SKJ, and works alongside his son Andrew Moore who is also a truck driver for SKJ. Prior to being employed by SKJ, Melton drove Flatbeds & OTR for Malone Freight Lines out of Birmingham, Alabama. Melton has two sons that are professional truck drivers.

FMIC: Have you ever been involved in an accident while driving a truck?

Melton: I have never had an accident in the 53 years I have been driving and count that blessing each day. I was fortunate to receive my Million Mile Safe Driving Award in 1999.

FMIC: What has been the most significant change or obstacle in truck driving compared to 20 years ago?

Melton: The use of cell phones and texting has increased significantly

over the years and has become an epidemic.

FMIC: What do you like about driving?

Melton: Definitely the independence.

FMIC: What do you think has helped you be successful in driving: Melton: Besides God watching over me, I have learned to expect to be cut-off by other cars. I have also learned not to get in a hurry and focus my eyesight well ahead. As I’m traveling down the road, I’m always thinking, “What if.”

FMIC: What safety tips would you give other truck drivers or us?

Melton: Treat others on the road the way you want to be treated.

Stay positive behind the wheel.

Trust and respect who you work for. Treat others with respect to get respect.

FMIC: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not driving?

Melton: Spending time in the garden.

MR. ANDREW MOORE: Andrew and his wife Melissa have four children. Andrew has been a professional truck driver for 28 years, 20 years with SKJ. Prior to being employed by SKJ, Andrew drove Tankers for Centinell Transport & Kenan Transport before finding a home at SKJ. Andrew is part of a family tradition of driving trucks; his father and brother are also professional truck drivers.

FMIC: Have you ever been involved in an accident while driving a truck?

Andrew: I have had a few close calls, but I have never been in an accident. Those close calls taught me a lot of lessons.

FMIC: What has been the most significant change or obstacle in truck

driving compared to 20 years ago?

Andrew: More vehicles on the road.

Vehicles of all types have given us more obstacles to manage while driving.

they drive like madmen. Cell Phone usage has caused most of the distractions for almost all the drivers on the road. Manufacturers have produced a safer truck to drive.

FMIC: What do you like about driving?

Andrew: Traveling and just being out on the road. I am not stuck inside all day.

FMIC: What do you like about driving?

Moe: I absolutely enjoy driving. It is all I have ever done.

FMIC: What safety tips would you give other truck drivers or us?

Andrew: Have a lot of patience, and slowing down will allow you to have a good day on the road. Be aware of your surroundings because you have no idea what other drivers might do.

FMIC: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not driving?

Andrew: Spending time with my family and ATV trail riding helps take away the stress.

MOE MCLAMB:

Moe and his wife, Patricia, have three children and eight grandchildren. Moe has been a professional truck driver for 50 years, 9 years with SKJ. Moe started driving when Chauffer’s license came out. He Initially drove a 10-wheeler and then moved up. He put the 10-wheeler in his name so he would qualify for Chauffer’s License (otherwise too young). Moe was also a logger for a few years.

FMIC: Have you ever been involved in an accident while driving a truck?

Moe: I have never had an accident.

I was hit while parked when a truck and car collided. The truck then hit my truck as I was parked.

FMIC: What has been the most significant change or obstacle in truck driving compared to 20 years ago?

Moe: The volume of traffic has increased with aggressive drivers. It seems that most people on the road these days don’t care about the other vehicles on the road with them;

FMIC: What do you think has helped you be successful in driving: Moe: I learned real quick to pay attention more now than ever. I have always counted on the car to pull out in front of me, and it never fails; they always do. I made checking my mirrors constantly a habit, and this helps me be mindful of my surroundings.

FMIC: What safety tips would you give other truck drivers or us?

Moe: Take your time and try to get experience gradually. Start with smaller trucks and learn the vehicle first. Allow for a wider turning radius, tail swing, and give rightof-way to the car as the car will be aggressive and impatient.

FMIC: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not driving?

Moe: I used to enjoy welding at my shop at home. Now that I’m a little bit older, I have slowed down a little. But, I still enjoy my job, so driving is like a hobby to me. continued on page 17

More vehicles on the road. Vehicles of all types have given us more obstacles to manage while driving.

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&

THEN NOW I think one of the best parts about what we do is that we get to know our clients Micheal Walters working from his office in Farimont, NC Photo Credit: FMIC Staff Photographer

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WITH

MICHAEL WALTERS,

In a new series called Then & Now, we will highlight the evolution of the wood products industry over the years by conducting personal interviews with people who worked in the industry and their relationships with Forestry Mutual Insurance Company.

This issue we visit Michael Walters, Owner of Claybourn Walters Logging Company and Chairman at Forestry Mutual Insurance Company.

Michael is from a third-generation logging family in North Carolina. At age 10 he would join his grandfather and father as they logged, and he was enthralled with the manual labor involved. After attending college, Michael came back to the family farm and continued the family tradition of logging and land management.

The thrill of seeing the process of harvesting trees was exciting to him. He loved watching forested land transform from the cutting of trees to loading the trucks and delivering the wood to the mill with the big equipment making it look so easy. But 50 years ago, it was a much more manual labored profession. Michael quickly learned the tricks of the trade from the guys that had worked in the woods for three or four generations. He learned from their experience and mastered the complex tasks of logging simply and safely. He truly

CHAIRMAN, FORESTRY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

enjoyed moving timber from the woods to the sawmills, listening to the people at the mill talk about what they needed from the woods and seeing how he could make it all come together. Taking the whole puzzle and finding a solution is what motivated him.

“50 years ago, it was a rule of thumb one man per load per day. So, if you had one eight-man crew, you got eight loads a day. Today, we have three-man crews getting twenty to twenty-five loads a day. Mechanization of harvesting wood has changed the industry and evolved over time and for the best. Looking back from today to how it was when I was working in the woods, I never imagined how mechanized the industry would have become.

How much safer the equipment is and how much longer you’re able to work in the woods…in the industry.”

Michael’s father was a huge influence on him and his career in forestry. He remembers his father liked to log the difficult tracks, the wet tracks. His father had a knack for it and always determined to get the right equipment for the job. He recalls his father and grandfather talking about how difficult it was to get worker’s compensation insurance and most importantly how unaffordable it was. They understood what a liability it was to not have it. continued on page 11

Dr. John Hatcher, Executive Director, North Carolina Forestry Association

“It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage, both because it is so powerful and so rare.”

– Patrick Lencioni

NORTH CAROLINA North Carolina Forestry Association & FMIC

In 1971, the North Carolina Forestry Association’s (NCFA) Self Insurers Fund was created out of the need for affordable workers compensation insurance for the forest products industry in North Carolina. This Self Insurers fund would eventually evolve into the present-day Forestry Mutual Insurance Company (FMIC). The relationship between the two organizations, however, has remained unchanged. The NCFA and FMIC

truly understand the power of Lencioni’s quote and the importance of teamwork.

Both organizations have spent countless hours over the last several decades to make sure that everyone working in our industry makes it home safely. The creation of the NCFA’s ProLogger program would not have been possible without the valuable input from the team at FMIC. Their contributions to the ProLogger program remain invaluable today in reducing the number of in-woods accidents annually. FMIC has been a leader in the industry with a team of insurance professionals and first in class loss control programs for their policyholders.

While we should not forget the value and history of this partnership over the last 50 years, let’s look forward to the next 50 because the view out the windshield provides a bright future.

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VIRGINA

Virginia Loggers Association & FMIC Ron Jenkins, Executive Director, Virginia Loggers Association

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Forestry Mutual Insurance Company and the Virginia Loggers Association have been constantly connected to ensure that every business operates with the highest state of safety awareness and oversight in forest harvesting and mill operations. VLA has depended upon FMIC to develop and deliver important safety training and programs to help every member operate in the safest possible way and eliminate accidents and harm to others.

Logging enterprises must be constantly aware and willing to accept and include safety education and oversight of its business operations. Commitment to safety education and training help ensure the safety of employees as they perform the detailed operations of a business.

VLA is committed to a constant vigilance towards safety education and inspection as a central foundational block of its association.

Harvesting forests and processing solid wood into useful prod-

ucts are synonymous with the use of heavy machinery, fast moving parts, operator visibility issues, and human interaction. Education has been and will continue to be necessary on a regular basis to ensure the safety of employees and the public.

FMIC and VLA have partnered in the past to bring safety training and education to every member.

VLA is committed to safety, education, and continuous training for all members. VLA is dedicated to support FMIC safety programs and to help deliver awareness of safety in its magazines, website, Facebook, and other media.

Virginia Loggers Association is a 501 C 6 trade association dedicated to the safety and welfare of all members, our industry, and the public. VLA will work closely with FMIC and SHARP Loggers program to ensure the routine delivery of safety training and education to VLA members.

Frank Myers receives the Gavel from Vance Wright August 8, 2020

continued from page 8 In the past, worker’s compensation insurance was not something that was prevalent in the industry.

Eventually, there was a big push by society and the industry as a whole, to make it mandatory if you wanted to log you had to have workers’ compensation. But it was very difficult to find anyone that would even write a worker’s compensation policy for the logging industry, back then.

“No one knew about it or they didn’t understand the industry. In fact, after Hurricane Hugo, back in 1989, worker’s comp rates went up to $43.00 for every hundred in payroll. Now, thirty-plus years later we’re down to under $6.00 dollars for every hundred in payroll. A big change that is due to the efforts of Forestry Mutual”.

In 1971 the Forestry Mutual Self-insurers fund began. They built client trust by sending out loss control agents who would then help inform loggers on how to prevent injuries and stay safe while operating in the woods.

“This was not something an insurance company did, come out into the woods and inspect and advise on safe operations with the goal of keeping everyone safe and injury free. In the past you just paid your premiums and that was the end of it. What Forestry Mutual was doing was building a rapport with the guy out there stumping. Not just the Boss Logger or the company man, they were out there talking with the crew guys, getting to know them, befriending them, and gaining their trust, that their safety was important to Forestry Mutual and that trust is what has built the success of the company”.

One of the biggest achievements and innovations from Forestry Mutual Insurance Company was taking an interest in the high-risk and safety concerns, in one of the world’s deadliest professions, and bringing the claims down to an

acceptable level to maintain low insurance premiums for their clients. In Michaels view,

“FMIC is a like a hybrid, a unicorn shall we say, about safety and the in-person approach to keeping our member informed and current in all regulations and safety protocols in the woods. Their ability to talk to and listen to their customers is what sets Forestry Mutual apart and it’s done on a good faith to improve their workplace environment and avoid downtime, lost hours for employees, and our clients are more productive. Why? It benefits them to be safe. Rates stay low and, in the end, everyone gets to go home to their families”.

Forestry Mutual’s new focus is on the log-hauling portion of the business and applying the lessons learned from in-woods education, safety and training and applying that to the truck drivers who haul the tons of wood every day on the backroads and highways of the Southern U.S.

“I think one of the best parts about what we do is that we get to know our clients and they know they can talk to us honestly and openly because they know, it’s not penalty-based information. We’re trying to figure out what their needs are, and we need their honest input, because we can’t do it, the industry as a whole can’t do it, without their input and involvement. We’ve seen that we made a change with inwoods safety, and now it’s time for us to do it on the road with trucking. Take the same lessons learned and just apply them”.

With their continued work in getting the message out to our customers to be safe, slow down, make good decisions and put the technology down while riving will avoid being a distracted driver.

Forestry Mutual Insurance Company has been a generous sponsor to all the associations that they have been involved with over the years.

They started as a self-Insurers fund and they were the members.

The best way to get back out to the communities and get our message out to them is for us to meet them out in their community. And by doing this through participation in those associations and partnerships with local communities.

“The forest products industry is a very small community, and we are somewhat fragmented. Forestry Mutual can act as a conduit to each association and through their sponsorships we can get folks involved and participate and make a change, make a difference, take ownership. It is in this ownership is where Forestry Mutual will have the most success now and into the future.

As Chairman of Forestry Mutual and having Forestry Mutual be a part of my life and my career in the wood products industry, they have had a positive impact for me and everyone who has been a part of the endeavor for the past 50 years. We must thank our current and past directors, members, and clients too. If it were not for them, all of us working so hard to make and keep a safe work environment for our customers, we would not be here today. We started as a North Carolina based company and now we are in six States throughout the Southeast spreading that message of innovation, safety and community that is needed in our industry now and into the future”.

We at Forestry Mutual appreciate all that Michael Walters has done for the industry in helping us keep our customer’s safety in the forefront of our company mission.

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RISK ASSESSMENT AIR LIFT LANDING GEAR RETROFIT THE

by Brian Macanka Loss Control Field Representative, FMIC The benefits of a new lifting system are very apparent when looking at the costs involved in just one injury. Common injuries include broken arms, wrists, and hands, broken jaws and chipped teeth and a few lost eyes. This can leave you short a truck for weeks to months.

With medical costs soaring, even the most minor of these injuries can cost $25,000.

FEATURES:

After suffering several of the above-mentioned incidents with his own drivers, Mr. Jimmy Witherspoon, owner of J.C. Witherspoon Jr. Inc., set out to make a safer system that would reduce his driver’s exposure to a spinning landing gear handle. The traditional winch handle with ratcheting locks is replaced with an air cylinder. The driver removes the main pin and simply flips a switch to raise or lower the swing gear.

Both raising and lowering the gear is accomplished in a controlled manner. The risk of a landing gear injury is all but removed. The system worked so well on the initial test run of log trailers, the air lift was set up on several chip trailers as well. The functionality remains the same although some of the geometry changes when working with belly dump trailers.

INSTALLATION:

Loggers being the industrious workers they are, Mr. Witherspoon built a system that is very simple to retrofit onto any log or chip trailer.

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Installation should take between 1.5-2 hours per trailer.

PARTS LIST: - Air cylinder - Small pulley - Cable - Air valve - Air line/ misc. fittings

Installation begins with the landing gear in the raised position.

The pulley should be mounted at a 90* angle to the hitch point on the swing gear.

The stroke of the air cylinder is determined by measuring the distance from the pulley to the mounting point on the swing gear when the swing gear is in the down and locked position. 2-3 inches should be added to that length when buying your air cylinder.

The air cylinder is installed on the trailer at full extension. Mounting location will vary depending on your trailer’s frame. Once mounted, you can measure for the cable to connect the extended cylinder to the swing gear in the down position, making sure the cable is routed through the pulley.

The air valve must be mounted in a convenient location that is easily accessible by the driver. A good location would be the hole left in the frame from the old crank handle. Plumb the air valve to the air cylinder. Air supply to the valve can come from several locations.

Option 1 is to tie into the air tank on the trailer. The only downside

to this option is if a trailer is not used in a while, you may have to wait for pressure to build up when hooking up the trailer. Option 2 is to connect to the emergency side (red) airline on the trailer. This option provides immediate air pressure once the glad hands are connected to the trailer.

COST:

Total cost of the retrofit will be in the $700 range. Expect the cylinder to cost $500, another $50 for the air valve, $20-$30 for the sheave pulley, cable and miscellaneous air fittings round out the rest. With medical costs in the 10s of thousands of dollars this simple retrofit can save you thousands in increased insurance premiums.

To see the landing gear in action, contact your Forestry Mutual Field Rep.

Brian Macanka Loss Control Field Representative, FMIC

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SPRING THING

operations.

- Be visible; wear high visibility safety colors.

- Maintain communication with anyone in the work area. Verify their location with frequent eye contact.

- Never walk into a work area with running or moving equipment until the equipment is stopped, engine cut-off, and implements grounded.

IT’S A

- Use proper manual felling techniques. Accurate directional felling avoids risk in the manual felling process.

SAW SHOP

By Bryan Wagner Chainsaw & Logging Safety Trainer, FMIC As you are receiving this publication, things have really changed in the logging woods. We have or will have a beautiful new crop of leaves! Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. What was once drab and brown is now replaced by the lush green, new growth.

This beauty can hide some demons from the forest worker. The new canopy of leaves can hide Over-Head Hazards! Let’s review

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the “Heads-Up” program that was developed in the 1990s to fight a trend of injuries involving “death from above.” We will also review the Five-Part-Felling Plan.

- Use approved personal protective equipment (PPE) for head protection.

- Look and scan at least 50 feet ahead on your ground path of travel.

- Look and scan at least 100 feet ahead for all overhead hazards.

- Don’t place yourself under any object that can fall or move due to gravity or the loss of hydraulic pressure.

- Maintain at least two tree lengths from all felling

If asked a simple question, what is the most dangerous job in the logging woods? Without a doubt, the answer would come back, manually felling trees with a power saw.

Measuring the risk involved with the manual felling process surely opens the eyes of insurance companies and governmental agencies. The results from a manual felling incident, notice I did not say “accident,” are usually serious in nature. With the human body being mostly derived from water, it does not take too much of an impact to alter its ability to function normally or to just plain survive!

Risk comes in many shapes and forms to a timber-cutter. The timber-cutter must become an expert on identifying risk. Once the risk is spotted, he must be able to eliminate it by using good judgment and employing proper techniques.

Risk is the key factor in any incident. A very effective way to reduce risk is to follow a plan. When using a plan, it forces our brains to process the information it is being fed. The results of using a plan should be good decisions being made. There is a plan made specifically for timber-cutters. The FivePart Felling Plan forces our brains to evaluate and process the infor-

mation we are taking in. The felling plan is designed to deal with risk on a step-by-step process. All five steps of this plan must be followed to assure all the risk is dealt with completely. If you forget or leave out any one of these steps, all bets are off. All five parts of the felling plan must be used on every tree, every time.

of the tree is the weighted side. If something unplanned happens, the tree is going to the “weighted” side. Again, body placement is of dire importance; limit your exposure to the Bad-Side of the tree. If you are not on the bad side, you are not injured there. Keep your body on the Good-Side of the tree as much as possible.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Personal Protective Equipment or PPE is mandatory for professional timber-cutters. OSHA and the insurance companies are very strict with forest industry workers concerning PPE. Hurt is Hurt! You can get hurt on your land during the weekend, just as easy as you can get hurt on the logging job during the work week! Proper eye, ear, and head protection should be worn. Cut resistant legwear in the form of chaps or saw pants can help to reduce the chance of a catastrophic leg laceration that could involve the ephemeral arteries!

Saw hands are required to wear cut-resistant footwear. Proper PPE is just a good decision, regardless of job titles!

ESCAPE ROUTE Statistically, 94 % of felling fatalities happen within 8 feet from the stump. A planned escape route shall be at a 45-degree angle away from the falling tree. As the timber-cutter exits on his escape path, he should have his eyes to the sky, looking to avoid possible missiles that have been thrown back during the tree’s fall to the ground.

The escape distance should be as far away as he can get, preferably behind some sort of a shield such as other standing timber. Get out of Dodge!

OVERHEAD HAZARDS What is up in the tree or the surrounding trees that could hurt you? Dead limbs, broken or damaged tops, dead snags, vines, wind, ice, or snow load are some examples of what could injure or kill you. Body placement is very important in this section of the plan.

Limit your exposure to an identified hazard; look up!

SIDE LEAN / GOOD SIDE – BAD SIDE As a rule, most trees do not grow perfectly straight. Trees usually have some sort of side lean. Side lean can come in the form of more limbs on one side, or the stem itself can be side weighted. The Bad-Side

HINGE THICKNESS In the manual felling process, the hinge acts as the tree’s steering wheel. The hinge basically tells the tree where to go and controls the trees fall to the ground. Inadequate or improper hinge wood can lead to catastrophic problems during the felling process. Accurate directional felling relies upon the hinge to guide the tree from striking objects that could cause a dangerous situation. Examples of such situations would include striking utility lines or hitting other standing timber, resulting in debris being thrown back at the timber-cutter. The hinge, as mentioned before, controls the stem on its way to the ground. It is very important that the hinge stays intact through most of the fall. Proper hinge wood prevents the often-tragic results from tree rebound.

The basic rule of thumb for hinge thickness is 1/10 the diameter at

breast height. (DBH) Tree species and fiber type will affect the final decision upon the set thickness of the hinge.

BACK-CUT PLAN The back-cut can be described as the final felling cut. After the tree has been properly assessed and a proper notch has been installed, the tree is ready for its journey to the ground, on target. Basically, there are two types of back-cuts.

The conventional method is when the saw is applied to the back of the tree after a proper face-notch has been made. The sawyer cuts from the back of the tree, working towards his desired hinge thickness. When the hinge thickness is met, the sawyer exits the area and uses his pre-planned escape route to safety. The conventional backcut is completely “legal”; it is accepted by governmental agencies and the forest industry. What the timber-cutter must understand is; if the tree has a front lean, the tension wood is located on the back of the tree. When the saw enters the tree from the back, the tension wood is being released; thus, the tree starts moving or falling. Once the falling motion starts, the timber-cutter must complete his cut to the hinge. By using this type of back cut, “the sawyer needs to be on his game,” there are a lot of things happening in a short period of time. You would have to agree that the level of risk is elevated when the body is only inches away from a moving, falling tree stem.

This technique leaves little room for errors. continued on page 16

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continued from page 15 Being judged on risk levels alone, the Controlled-Release back-cut is preferable.

While using a controlled release back cut, the sawyer is cutting compression wood instead of tension wood. Risk levels are lowered significantly by one simple fact; the tree is not moving while the sawyer is making the back cut. Remember, the tree does not move until the tension wood is cut. The controlled-release back cut is done about the opposite of the conventional back cut. After a proper face-notch is made, the sawyer uses a “bore-cut” to enter the side of the tree; he is setting the hinge thickness. After the hinge is set, the sawyer cuts to the back of the tree. The timber-cutter, at this point, can leave a back strap or a trigger. The trigger is basically the tension wood that has been left un-cut. After the sawyer has looked and made sure the area is clear, he “pulls” the trigger, or in other words, cuts the back strap. When the tension wood is released, the tree is allowed to fall. Generally, escape times and distances are increased using this method; remember the stem has not been moving during the back cut. The term-controlled release is accurate; the sawyer has complete control of the felling process. The tree does not move until he wants it to move.

By adopting and using a felling plan, the timber-cutter can reduce his risk by making good decisions.

Early in this article, the word “accident” was mentioned. It is important to remember that an accident is an unplanned event. Using each part of the felling plan, each time will tame the risk from the manual felling process.

Be safe, make good decisions and make them a habit.

Bryan Wagner, Chainsaw & Logging Safety Trainer Photo Credit: FMIC Staff Photographer

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FMIC: What safety tips would you give other truck drivers or us?

Mitchell: Always anticipate that a car will cut you off.

FMIC: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not driving?

Mitchell: Spending time at Church.

MR. RONNIE LOWERY:

Ronnie and his wife, Wanda, have three sons and eleven grandchildren. Ronnie has been a professional truck driver for 44 years, 5 years with SKJ. Prior to being employed by SKJ, Ronnie drove ChipVans, Flatbeds, and Containers for Robie McPherson and Smith Brothers.

FMIC: Have you ever been involved in an accident while driving a truck?

Ronnie: I was involved in one accident 30 years ago when another vehicle pulled out in front of me.

The other driver was cited for the accident.

FMIC: What has been the most significant change or obstacle in truck driving compared to 20 years ago?

Ronnie: The increase in traffic with impatient drivers all using their cell phones. continued from page 7

MR. MITCHELL JENRETTE:

Mitchell and his wife, Tammy, have one daughter. Mitchell has been a professional truck driver for 39 years, 6 years with SKJ. Prior to being employed by SKJ, Michell drove OTR & Regional Freight for J&C Wholesale.

FMIC: Have you ever been involved in an accident while driving a truck?

Mitchell: I was involved in one accident 20 years ago and fortunate to learn from that experience.

FMIC: What has been the most significant change or obstacle in truck

driving compared to 20 years ago?

Michell: The increase in traffic with impatient drivers.

FMIC: What do you like about driving?

Mitchell: Everything. I always wanted to drive big trucks since I was a kid.

FMIC: What do you think has helped you be successful in driving: Mitchell: Being able to concentrate on all aspects of the job. You cannot let your mind take you away from the road. I have always paid attention to my surroundings, and it has kept me out of trouble.

FMIC: What do you like about driving?

Ronnie: The independence. This job allows me to work alone.

FMIC: What do you dislike about driving?

Ronnie: Waiting in lines at the mill.

It is not productive for me as a driver, for my employer, and the mill.

FMIC: What do you think has helped you be successful in driving: Ronnie: While I am driving, my mind gets into a mode of; drive for everyone else and just not for me.

This thought process has kept me out of bad situations. continued on page 20 FMIC SPRING 2021

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USE IT AND LOSE IT In today’s world the cost of doing business seems to be on a steady rise!

The unfortunate truth sometimes, in the insurance world, is when a business owner can try and do everything right, but still be wrong. We are all familiar with the phrase “use or lose it”, but today’s insurance climate is leaning more towards “use it and lose it.”

It is a common frustration when a business owner sits down to buy insurance, one of the largest annual expenses, and premiums only grew larger when they had to file a claim the prior year. It is not an easy pill to swallow when you pay out thousands of dollars for coverage only to be “punished” with higher premiums come renewal time.

In today’s world, the cost of doing business seems to be on a steady rise. The same goes for insurance carriers given increasing medical costs, trucks repairs, and overall cost of claims. As many of you

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know, auto carriers have become increasingly reactive with pricing when it comes to claim activity which is even more reason to limit the frequency of claims as much as possible.

Underwriters analyze claims with two major methods being - frequency and severity. Several small claims can carry just as much weight as one major claim (to an insurance carrier several small claims are an indicator that a major claim is on the way). When it comes to smaller claims, such as a minor physical damage claim on a truck, it is more than likely in your best interest to settle that claim out of pocket rather than filing it with your insurance carrier. Ultimately the cost to do so may seem major at the time, but in the long it is minor compared to the potential rate increase at renewal and/ or possible non-renewal of coverage entirely.

Obviously, this cannot be applied in every situation, nor is it mandatory, but it is one way for your logging business to remain attractive to insurance carriers and create more stability in the premiums you pay. Something as simple has having two claims in the same year could be the result of possibly getting non-renewed with an auto carrier. So, it is imperative to reduce claim frequency as much as possible.

Stay Safe and Log on.

AGENCY CORNER

by Alan Schaefer

Your insurance deductibles serve the purpose of preventing numerous small claims with a certain carrier, also do your due diligence in preventing them as well. It is another method of not giving a carrier any more reasons for an increase in your rates come time to renew. While it seems using your insurance is “punishable” it is simply the reality of our situation, due to the nature of the log truck insurance sector.

forestrymutual.com

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Celebrating over 50 years providing affordable WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Coverage Specializing in the FOREST PRODUCTS INDUSTRY

TOLL-FREE 800-849-7788

CONTACT ANY OF OUR AGENTS TODAY FOR A QUOTE! Eddie Campbell: (919) 770-6132 Greg Hutson: (843) 324-4728 Nick Carter: (803) 669-1003 Chris Huff: (919) 810-9485 Alan Schaefer: (912) 414-9778 PROVIDING COVERAGE IN GA, MS, NC, SC, TN & VA Jack Williams: (601) 760-0011 FMIC SPRING 2021

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continued from page 17 FMIC: What safety tips would you give other truck drivers or us?

Ronnie: Drive defensively 100% of the time.

MR. ROGER RASBERRY:

Roger and his wife, Melissa, have one daughter, Brooke. Roger has been a professional truck driver for 40 years, 1 year with SKJ. Roger’s father was also a truck driver.

Prior to being employed by SKJ, Roger drove Flatbeds, Reefers, and Car Haulers.

FMIC: Have you ever been involved in an accident while driving

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a truck?

Roger: I was involved in one accident 23 years ago when I was struck by another vehicle. The other driver was cited for the accident.

FMIC: What has been the most significant change or obstacle in truck driving compared to 20 years ago?

Roger: The focus on recording keep such as Log Books and Time Sheets.

FMIC: What do you like about driving?

Roger: The independence, being on-the-go and being outside.

FMIC: What do you think has helped you be successful in driv-

ing: Roger: What has helped me the most is always looking ahead and being aware of my eye-lead time.

Making eye-lead time a habit has kept me away from bad situations.

FMIC: What safety tips would you give other truck drivers or us?

Roger: Drive defensively 100% of the time. Always watch out for cars; they don’t look out for themselves or you.

FMIC: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not driving?

Roger: When I can, I like to play Golf.

Roger Rasberry, Driver SKJ Moore Logging LLC

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

Mississippi Forestry Association & FMIC

Mississippi Forestry Association was founded in 1938 to unify members of the forestry community and is the only statewide non-profit organization dedicated to sustaining Mississippi’s forests.

MFA members and staff work to accomplish our mission through public affairs, communications, and educational programs that promote conservation, development, and wise use of forestland and resources.

The educational aspect of MFA’s mission ranges from working with teachers and school age children, to college students and professionals. By conducting education and outreach for a variety of age groups, we provide them with a better understanding of the benefits of forestry and position ourselves to successfully recruit new workers as job opportunities increase in Mississippi mills and for-

ests both now and in the future.

When it comes to educational opportunities for members of the forestry community, we provide training in areas such as safety and technology to make sure jobs are done safely and efficiently. When jobs are done correctly, it benefits everyone in the company and the industry as a whole. FMIC understands the importance of promoting safety and education and does a great job coming along side of us to help us accomplish our educational goals.

In October 2020, we were unable to host an in-person Annual Meeting for our members due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns.

Keith Biggs, president of FMIC Agency, Inc., generously stepped in as one of our virtual presenters for the online Annual Meeting we held. He and another insurance professional answered a number of insurance questions from our members during a panel-type presentation. Being able to show our members the faces behind the agency they do business with is a big plus!

Since MFA’s membership represents the entire value chain of forestry in Mississippi, from landowners and hunt clubs, to loggers and manufacturers, the needs of our members vary greatly based on their roles within the forestry community.

MFA Staff: L to R, Lauren Hawkins, Communications Coordinator; Casey Anderson, Business Manager; Tedrick Ratcliff, Executive Vice President; Dave Godwin, Landowner Coordinator; Emma Winterhalter, Education and Outreach Coordinator; and Teresa Wampler, Administrative Assistant.

MFA is proud to offer a variety of benefits and services to our members but previously had a gap when it came to providing insurance solutions for our logging and manufacturing members. FMIC has filled that gap, and our Mississippi account manager, Jack Williams, has an attention to detail that makes finding the best insurance opportunities easy for our members.

FMIC understands our members’ needs from workers’ compensation and property insurance, to general liability and business auto insurance. By having a designated provider to point our members to, we save them the time and frustration of weeding through multiple carriers. They know FMIC has the products they need and the support they expect, and they appreciate that the company they are doing business with also supports their state forestry association.

We are excited to have FMIC as a member and insurance provider, and we look forward to many years of working together to protect our logging and manufacturing members across the state.

FMIC SPRING 2021

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FMIC

KITCHEN SMOKED PULLED PORK SHOULDER OR PORK BUTT

by Jean-Paul (JP) Damé Communications Director, FMIC

You don’t have to be a pit master to make mouth-watering pulled pork at home. Smoked pork shoulder gives you savory, juicy, flavorful meat you can use in sandwiches or as the star of a delicious barbecue plate.

This is my pulled pork recipe.

I think everything, tastes better when cooked over smoke. But smoked pork shoulder, or pork butt is my favorite thing to make.

You can roast a huge pork shoulder and have shredded pork for days!

There are some diehard barbecue enthusiasts out there, and I’ve decided not to take sides. I like ALL of it. Carolina pulled pork, Texas brisket, Kansas City ribs.

To get the flavor I want, the moisture I want, and the bark I want, I

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start by rubbing the pork shoulder down with mustard poweder.

Don’t worry, your pork is not going to taste like mustard when it gets done cooking. I promise. Then I slather it with a delicious rub recipe that is made up of spices you already have in your cupboard.

INGREDIENTS 1 8-10 pound pork shoulder roast or pork butt roast 1/4 cup yellow mustard powder 1/4 brown sugar 1/4 cup coarse sea salt 3 Tbs cracked black pepper 2 Tbs smoked paprika 2 tsps. chipotle chili powder (optional) 2 tsps. garlic powder 2 tsps. onion powder INSTRUCTIONS Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees for indirect smoking.

Remove your pork from the packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.

Put the yellow mustard on the exterior of the pork shoulder and

rub it all over.

Mix the spice mixture up in a bowl, and set aside a couple of Tbs. Season your pork roast on all sides with remaining spice mixture, Rub it all over the top and bottom and coat liberally.

Place your seasoned roast in the center off the smoker fat side up.

Insert a meat thermometer you can check without opening the smoker.

“If you’re looking you ain’t cooking” Smoke the pork until it reaches at least 195 degrees. Depending on the size of your pork roast it can take less time. Always cook to temperature and not time.

Once your pork reaches the desired temperature between 195205 degrees, remove the pork shoulder from the smoker and wrap in foil. Rest your pork for a minimum 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Shred the pork shoulder.

Sprinkle with reserved seasoning and enjoy.

RALEIGH OFFICE STAFF Keith Biggs Coy Baker

Brittany Rhinehart

Jean-Paul Damé (JP) Jenny Clawson

Jordan Rose

Amy Almond

Nancy White

Kim Richmond

LOSS CONTROL STAFF

Greg Plumley

Brian Macanka

David McLean Greg Helton

Jimmy McCraney

Shawn Fulks Scott McKee Philip Sligh

Jeremy Helton Paul Dyess

Jason Townley Justin Guyer

Bryan Wagner

FMIC AGENCY STAFF

Nick Carter

Susan Ogden

Eddie Campbell Chris Huff

Alan Schaefer Jack Williams

Greg Hutson

Chris Covington Emma Turner Sheila Earls

Lindsey Burns

Pamela Foreman Melanie McKee Thea Barber Judy Angley

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FMIC SPRING 2021

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