Health and Safety at MTO: 750,000 Injury-Free Hours at Our George Sawmill

Our Health and Safety Culture: 750,000 Injury-Free Hours at MTO George Sawmill

At MTO, safety isn’t just a protocol — it’s a mindset, a culture, and a shared responsibility that runs through every fibre of our business. This health and safety culture recently delivered a remarkable milestone at our George Sawmill: 750,000 man hours without a lost time injury.

This achievement has earned the team a 5-star safety rating, a respected benchmark in the South African sawmilling sector — and a powerful reflection of the commitment shown daily by each member of our workforce.

Safety Across the Value Chain

Behind every high-quality timber product is a team working in sync — from the log yard to kiln drying, rework, CCA treatment, and dispatch. Approximately 316 employees and contractor staff play vital roles across this complex processing chain, all supported by a dedicated engineering team that ensures everything runs safely and smoothly.

Each department, each task, each shift — they all contribute to a safe, productive operation where people come first.

Why Safety Matters to Us

Our focus on safety isn’t just about hitting targets. It’s about people — their well-being, their families, their futures. We understand that sustainable forestry and manufacturing require more than environmental care and operational excellence — they demand a deep, enduring commitment to those who make it all possible.

More Than a Statistic

750,000 safe hours is more than just a number — it’s a testament to collaboration, consistency, and care. It proves that when safety is a shared responsibility, success follows — not just in injury-free hours, but in the pride and confidence of every team member who walks through our doors.

Looking Forward

We celebrate this milestone, but we also look ahead — because safety is a journey without shortcuts. Our goal is continuous improvement, innovation, and ensuring that every MTO site reflects our commitment to the highest health and safety standards — doing things right, and doing them safely.

Learn more about our health and safety approach here.