Inspections and prevention activities
As part of our initiative to reduce the serious injury rate by applying resources and effort where they will be most effective, WorkSafeBC officers are inspecting workplaces and conducting consultation and education activities. Inspections are targeted to address the largely seasonal nature of forestry work.
Inspection activities
| Activities |
Details |
|
Manual falling
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- Falling cuts
- Danger tree/windfall assessment and plans
- Unnecessary brushing practices
- New faller training programs, new faller safety, and adherence to training requirements
- Roadside debris endangering workers
- Phase integration
- ERP planning and worker engagement
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|
Mechanized harvesting on steep slopes with a specific focus on tethered and traction assist machinery and operations
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- Maintenance workplan and lockout
- Three-point-contact procedures
- Steep slope assessment plans
- Safe operation of traction assist and tethered equipment
- Phase integration
- ERP planning and worker engagement
|
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Cable yarding
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- Clearing the turn
- Yarding angles
- Landing the log
- Training of workers/supervisors
- Phase integration
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Log transporting
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- Driving and road assessment
- Loading, offloading, and securing of load
- Best practices for maintenance work (lockout, access, and egress)
- Cab guards (bull boards) and seat belt use
- Three-point-contact procedures
- MSI injury reduction (arms, shoulders and wrists)
- Phase integration
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|
Emergency response planning (ERP)
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- First aid assessment and all other potential emergency scenarios
- Worker engagement and participation in the development of emergency response plans
- ERP practice and testing
- Daily plan for helicopter-only access
- ERP review: ERPs properly communicated to workers and service providers, and routinely practiced through realistic emergency drills
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Inspections — Silviculture
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- ERP elements (as above)
- Planning and conducting of operations
- Driver training and policies
- Musculoskeletal injury (MSI) risk assessment
- MSI program management
- MSI education of workers
- Proper planning and integration of silviculture activities with special focus on road access and emergency evacuation
- Phase integration
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Hearing loss prevention
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- Assess noise levels by location and job role, and evaluate existing mitigation initiatives
- Complete hearing conservation program assessments for existing, new, and young workers to identify exposure areas and risk-control opportunities
- Complete annual hearing testing as needed
|
Consultation and education activities
| Activities |
Details |
|
Falling Technical Advisory Committee
|
- Act as a point of contact on Forestry Planned Inspectional Initiatives manual falling elements with the Falling Technical Advisory Committee
|
|
Resources for industry
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- Develop and distribute prevention resources and messaging designed to create awareness of the Forestry Planned Inspectional Initiatives, and awareness and tools for addressing risk and mechanisms of injury in the Forestry Planned Inspectional Initiatives focus areas, assisting with compliance with the OHS Regulation
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