“The work environment should not be something we compete with”
17 October 2025
At SSG, we bring together representatives from across the industry in networks and committees to exchange knowledge and experiences, monitor developments and find the best solutions to common challenges facing the industry. One of these networks is the Sawmill Network, whose members recently gathered for two days to visit the Bollsta sawmill.
Christel Benke from SSG together with Anders Grankvist from Södra Wood.
– We have the opportunity to share experiences and be able to support each other in our work. This gives both renewed energy and inspiration in health and safety work going forward,” says Anders Grankvist, Health and Safety Manager of Södra Wood and Chairman of the Sawmill Network.
Informative visits
Members of the network are invited to online and in-person meetings at sawmills around Sweden. When members of the Sawmill Network met in September, SCA Wood in Bollstabruk was the host. The company’s safety manager, Gustav Roslund, is one of the participants in the network and, on this occasion, he showed the guests around the sawmill, a tour that provided an opportunity for interesting reflection and discussions about various solutions and challenges.
Gustav Roslund showed visitors around the sawmill.
Visiting each other’s sites and seeing how others work with safety is an important part of being in the network. As accidents are common in this industry, the work environment and health and safety are high on the agenda.
– The work environment should not be something we compete with. This is an area where we can help each other to improve. These meetings are very rewarding and you take something back to your workplace after each one,” says Anders Grankvist.
Cooperation on security
SSG has five additional networks in different areas, which bring together people who contribute to a safer and more sustainable industry. Christel Benke is Process Manager for Health and Safety at SSG and is responsible for the Sawmill Network as well as SSG’s Safety Committee.
– I have been involved from the start when it was decided that SSG would begin building a network specifically for the sawmill industry. Over the years, there have been many positive discussions and exchanges of experiences that have helped many people to work in a better, more preventive way, by taking action before an accident happens. It feels great for me and SSG to be part of this and to hear and see how the participants can benefit from everything that is discussed.