MOUNT Gambier logging company Tabeel Trading has been thrown into the industry spotlight after clinching a major safety award for fatigue management.
The logging operation took out at the 2018 HVP Plantations Chairman’s Safety Award at a recent event.
Tabeel provides harvest and haulage services in the Green Triangle and received the honour in recognition of its outstanding contributions to fatigue management in the industry.
The award follows an industry-wide response to fatigue management stemming from the tragic death of four young forestry workers in a road crash near Penola two years ago.
In presenting the award, HVP Plantations recognised the valuable work Tabeel had done through the introduction of Site-Docs, an app-based system designed to give staff access to all the documentation they need to effectively manage risk.
Tabeel also introduced new systems to address one of the biggest risks it faces – fatigue.
It launched electronic timesheets to allow staff to manage their work breaks throughout the day, along with the introduction of facial recognition technology in its cabs to monitor drivers and alert them when they are fatigued or distracted.
HVP Plantations has a safety commitment to zero harm and requires its partners and contractors to demonstrate the same commitment to achieving excellence in health and safety performance.
HVP Plantations chairman Adrian Kloeden praised the company for its work on fatigue management.
“The individuals, groups and contractors have all been recognised by their peers and work colleagues,” Mr Kloeden said.
He said Tabeel should feel “very proud” of the work it had undertaken on the topic and to be recognised with the award.
“To receive a nomination for the chairman’s safety award is an outstanding achievement in itself,” HVP Plantations chief executive officer Stephen Ryan said.
“So Tabeel should feel very proud to take home the award this year.
“Tabeel has gone above and beyond for its staff by using new and exciting technology that is helping ensure everyone can come to work and return home safely.”
HVP Plantations is a privately-owned plantation forestry company, managing over 240,000 hectares of land across Victoria.
HVP supplies logs for sawn timber, paper manufacturing, treated panel board and other timber uses to domestic and export customers.
