Jessie Bourke
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Manager, Logic Forest Solutions
1. How did your career journey lead you to a role in Health and Safety?
I was working in the non-clinical side of the healthcare system after completing university. I didn’t love my work so moved back home to Gisborne and was doing some administrative work for a forest management company while I figured out my next move.
I learnt the business from the ground up and then an opportunity came up for an in-house HS person. So, I said how about me? I had studied for a Bachelor of Health Sciences and my dissertation at University was looking at privilege within the healthcare system and how that impacted people.
Health and safety is just that (looking at privilege) in a different form. We are always looking at how the law, people’s home lives, workplace policy, procedures, or the actual workplace and people within it, impact workers and their ability to function in that space. So it would be fair to say I kind of fell into H&S but have never looked back…
2. What about your role makes you want to get up in the morning?
Literally the sunrises. If I’m off early, I’m often up in the dark which means I get to see daybreak. Watching a good East Coast sunrise from up in the hills overlooking the ocean is magical, as at that moment I am literally one of the first people in the world to see the new day in. A great way to start the day!
3. What are the biggest challenges in your industry at the moment?
One challenge for forestry right now is how volatile the log market is – it’s like a rollercoaster, which is tough on everyone financially, emotionally, physically, and mentally.
Another big challenge is how to log better, given that the fatality rate for the industry is the worst in New Zealand. This is a challenge we must succeed in and fast as there are too many good men not making it out of the bush and home to their friends and whanau.
4. What skills are the most crucial to succeeding in this career?
Soft skills are crucial! Anyone can write out a policy or procedure, but it’s critical to have those people skills to engage, get buy-in and understand the challenges of those who will be front footing the policies and procedures. It’s leading by example and always being ready to listen.
5. What is the best bit of advice you have for someone looking to move into this area?
My best piece of advice for someone looking to jump into a health and safety role is - listen to learn! And smile – smiling helps as it makes you more approachable when getting someone to engage with you.
And, just go for it, everyone is on a learning curve and started somewhere.
