At this year’s Western Forestry Contractors’ Association annual conference we talked about work place harassment in an open forum. The session was revelatory and insightful. The proceedings from the session are now summarized into a set of key standouts and observations. They draw from the panelists candid remarks and the equal candour from the audience. … Read more
Planting trees does often require remaining resolute in the face of adversity. Not everyone comes with that resolve; so much so, that a 2015 labour market report on forestry work recommended the industry do a better job of portraying more clearly what the job and conditions involve in order to better attract and retain new … Read more
There are various styles of boots that can be considered for silviculture work. Some include: Traditional leather work/logging boots Leather hiking/climbing boots Leather hunting boots Vulcanized rubber boots Combination vulcanized rubber and leather boots Combination synthetics and leather boots Because there are so many brands and styles in the market for these kinds of … Read more
The silviculture sector is at a crossroads…again. For those who have worked in or followed the industry for any period of time, this isn’t an entirely new experience. Various challenges to the health and viability of the sector have emerged over the past few decades. Read the full report here. Read more
Now silviculture workers can apply for Job Opportunities work or Tuition and Transition assistance under the Community Development Trust Program. A more inclusive definition of eligibility included as part of the federal Community Adjustment Fund provides support for all workers affected by the forest sector downturn. Read more
It is hurry up and wait for crews on the B.C. West Coast as cold Interior outflows meet warm Pacific troughs. The Brinkman & Associate’s workers pictured above near Port McNeil on Vancouver Island hold a tree planting pre-work, sort of, on a block just above sea level. Contractors report delays across the Coast and … Read more
The discouraging prospect of seeing experience and talent leave the silviculture workforce is hardly anything employers want to encourage. But in this depression that may be inevitable. Silviculture employees then, should be eligible for the transition and tuition benefits that are available to workers in the harvest and milling sector under the Community Development Trust … Read more
Tendonitis is the primary cause of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), a work-related musculoskeletal injury familiar to many treeplanters. It is a painful inflammatory condition caused by strain, trauma, overstretching of the tendon and/or it’s surrounding sheath, or overuse of the associated joints or muscles. Read more
