Business South November 2021

| 59 FORESTRY Waimea Contract Carriers Waimea Contract Carriers predominantly operates in the Top of the South, but also picks up logs from Kaikoura and the West Coast, delivering to Port Nelson and Port Marlborough in Picton, along with a number of mills in the Marlborough/Nelson regions. requirements, a culture of safe work practices has been part of Waimea’s way of doing things for the last 20 years. Jenny says with the safety challenges asso- ciated with log cartage the company is highly motivated to eliminate those things that continue to cause issues. That has led to a heavy investment in innovation for which the company has been rewarded with generous grants from both ACC and the New Zealand Forest Research Institute. “The drivers throw chains over the logs and then use a winch system to secure them to the truck. “Each year, each driver throws about 25,000 tonnes of chain, resulting in back and shoul- der injuries. There is also the risk of a strain from winching the chain down or being struck by the winch bar. It’s is a high risk area that we are seeking to eliminate.” A pneumatic system designed by Jenny’s brother Peter casts the chain over the logs and a winch automatically tensions the chain. As well as reducing the drivers’ exposure to injury, its also reduces the risk of the load becoming unstable while in transit. “The system has been in the field and it works and it’s now just in the final refinement stages. As well as ACC, WorkSafe are watch- ing the development closely so it will be very exciting for the industry.” Jenny says the success of the business that her father started with a vision and oppor- tunity has been about having good people, providing what is required and delivering what is promised. “We have an enviable middle management and hard working drivers with a high level of professionalism, dedicated to our core values of providing a reliable quality service safely.” totaloilnz.co.nz It’s time to trust your engine oil Proud to be supporting Waimea Contract Carriers Nelson – 03 546 4605 • Christchurch – 03 349 0044 Dunedin – 03 455 6449 • Invercargill – 03 215 8250 Check us out at www.cvc.co.nz Enhanced Engine Performance Improved Fuel Consumption Smoother Engine Operation Reduced Harmful Emissions Extended Shelf Life Road legal, unleaded petrol with advanced formulation to provide: High Octane Petrol www.npd.co.nz/100plus Available at selected NPD sites.