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
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
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 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
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
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
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
What follows here is a brief catalogue of actions we are calling promising practices to deal with reducing the chances of workers developing repetitive strain symptoms in silviculture work. This list draws from strategies individual workers and employers from around the province have developed and are using to deal with losses from overwork and repetition … Read more
The BC SAFE Silviculture Program has released a report concluding that many workers would be more productive and less prone to injury if they were given more advice and help in selecting appropriate foot wear for silviculture work. The report includes a guide to selecting durable work boots for the field. Footing report.pdf Please click … Read more
