Safety
Shooting Ban Imposed on Forest Service Roads in Fraser Valley (04/07/17)
The Province is restricting gun use areas of the Fraser Valley where indiscriminate shooting is damaging habitat and creating serious safety concerns, Simon Gibson, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, announced today on behalf of Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson. To read more, click here Read more
RCMP Report Recommends Banning Target Shooting on Fraser Vally Forestry Roads (03/31/17)
A 2015 RCMP report recommending the provincial government work with police and local governments by banning target shooting on problem forest service roads in the east parts of the Fraser Valley. The report has become a critical piece on ongoing efforts by the WFCA and local governments reduce risks to the public and forestry workers … Read more
Preventing Overdose: A Guide to the Risks of Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids (03/28/17)
The BC SAFE Forestry Program is recommending forestry employers and workers recognize that the ongoing opioid crisis in British Columbia could possibly show up among our workforce. Some tree planting firms have taken the lead on this already creating awareness programs and internal practices to prevent overdoses and deal with a possible crisis. This excellent … Read more
Forestry Contractors Should Plan for Fentanyl Scourge (03/02/17)
It would be unwise for forestry contractors to think their workers are exempt from the lethal hazard posed by fentanyl overdoses. At least one forestry firm has reported a work-related opioid death this year. Forestry workers may be particularly vulnerable in an incident given the remote work locations of some camps, available first aid, and … Read more
Can Athletic Performance Fabrics Reduce MSIs? (03/02/17)
Planters are reporting that compression sleeves and socks help in reducing worker wear and tear. It may be some time yet before we get work gear woven from spider silk with its remarkable tensile strength and flexibility. (They are working on it) In the meantime high performance athletic fabric is showing some promise in reducing … Read more
Forest Safety Ombudsman Calls for Provincial Helicopter Emergency Service
Forest Safety Ombudsman Roger Harris says inequitable access to emergency care is a serious problem for injured forest workers as well as all residents of rural British Columbia. He’s recommended our provincial government establish a helicopter emergency service capable of transporting patients to level three trauma centres within an hour. View the full report here. Read more
Back By Popular Demand: The Footing and Footwear Report
Below is the full report summarizing the 2015 WorkSafeBC-funded research into footing and footwear in the silviculture industry. It includes a summary of the study’s field research, the FPInnovations boot tread traction study and the recommendations for selecting durable footwear for silviculture work. This full report is recommended reading for silviculture safety managers intent on … Read more
Some Advice for Recognizing Durable Boots
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
Promising practices for reducing musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) in the silviculture sector
For over a decade the BC SAFE Silviculture Program has worked with progressive contractors and licensees on innovative ways to reduce MSIs among forestry workers. Overall claim rates have declined steadily in tree planting operations. Nevertheless MSI injuries continue to persist on a provincial scale. Read more