Sawmill operating protocol for Alert Level 4

Disruptions resulting from lockdowns designed to combat the spread of Covid-19 and its variants are extensive, causing widespread social and economic stresses.  Concerns arise about loss of jobs, loss of income, family dislocations, businesses going under, loss of production of goods, lack of essentials for everyday living and cost of living increases to name a few.

In the building supplies sector cessations to production and issues of supply of imports due to shipping shortages and port restrictions all impact of the supply chain and ultimately lead to delays and cost outcomes on building and construction with consequential effects on consumers.

We believe in our own small way we can help to alleviate some of these problems by continuing to conduct sawmilling operations and producing timber ready for the supply chain even under Alert Level 4 conditions.  Additionally, by continuing to operate we are able to avoid costs associated with the loss of value and condition of logs and green sawn timber.

At Alert Level 4, the virus is not contained and there is sustained and intensive community transmission. The government advisory is to “Make sure you follow all the public health rules to protect yourself, your whānau and our communities.”

The applicable public health rules are to;

·         Stay at home as much as possible

·         Keep your bubble small

·         Get vaccinated

·         Wear a face mask

·         Keep a track of where you have been

·         Get a test if you are unwell

·         Maintain good hygiene practices

·         Regularly check locations of interest

In our view, it is possible to operate a sawmill while maintaining all these rules or at least mitigating the issues requiring them.  Sawmills are able to operate with reduced staffing levels and so are able to minimise travel outside the home and maintain small bubbles commensurate with maintaining timber production albeit at a reduced capacity and productivity.  Within sawmill sites safe practice protocols can readily be applied in terms of face masks, physical distancing of work stations and at meal breaks, good hygiene practices, tracking via QR codes or diary entries and by isolating sites from all but limited external visits.

The overall benefit would be to preserve a level of employment, keep timber production maintained for yard store only but in readiness for delivery into the supply chain when it opens up and to maintain supply of product such as sawdust and chip to essential industries and services such as livestock welfare and fuel for heat plant in food production.

We are hopeful that the government will consider a proposal we have made on this matter so that we are in a position to proceed if an Alert Level 4 situation arises again.

August 2021