Claymark, New Zealand’s largest manufacturer and exporter of premium pine products, is making a move to improve workplace safety by investing $481,000 in artificial intelligence-driven hazard detection and related safety initiatives.
This investment follows a serious workplace incident in February 2023, when a worker at Claymark’s Rotorua factory suffered the amputation of two fingers due to an unguarded machine and ineffective maintenance and supervision system.
Under an enforceable undertaking (EU) with WorkSafe New Zealand, Claymark has committed to a series of comprehensive health and safety improvements, including:
- Installation of CCTV systems equipped with AI technology to provide real-time risk detection and alerts for workers’ health and safety.
- Up to 15 trials of the AI hazard detection technology will be offered to other businesses in the wood manufacturing sector, aiming to spread the benefits industry-wide.
- Introduction of microlearning modules and interactive displays in break rooms to upskill workers on health and safety practices.
- Direct support and reparation for the affected worker.
“We are looking forward to seeing Claymark pioneer its AI innovation to benefit the timber processing sector more broadly. Agreements like this are all about enacting positive improvements from an adverse event,” WorkSafe Head of Regulatory Services, Tracey Conlon, said.
“The initiatives align with WorkSafe’s priority plan for manufacturing, which is one of the most high-risk sectors for workers in Aotearoa. Unsafe machinery is a persistent problem in the sector, which businesses cannot overlook.”
Claymark’s executive director Paul Pedersen emphasised that the wellbeing, safety, and health of their staff are the company’s top priority.
“An incident involving one of our team members has had a significant impact – both physically and emotionally. We acknowledge the effect this has had on the individual, their whānau, and our wider community, and we are committed to learning from this experience to ensure safer outcomes for everyone.”
Pedersen described Claymark’s EU with WorkSafe “as a valuable opportunity to drive meaningful, people-focused change – both within Claymark and across the wood manufacturing sector.”
Meanwhile, the injured worker expressed his appreciation for Claymark’s safety efforts:
“I’m deeply appreciative of Claymark’s commitment to workplace safety improvements outlined in this agreement, many of which I’ve witnessed firsthand.”
“While my path forward looks different than I once imagined, I’m determined to adapt and keep moving ahead, one day at a time,” the worker said.