5.3 Working Safely In forestry

Question 1

Which not for profit society was a direct result of the findings of the forest safety task force in 2004?

Answer 1

The BCFSC (BC Forest Safety Council)

Question 2

The BC Forest Safety Council Activities:

Answer 2

SAFE Companies

SAFE Certification

Faller Certification

Transportation (advocates for safer forest roads and vehicles)

Training and Development

Forest Safety Ombudsman

Question 3

Following the BCFSC report on safety, what were some of the auditor generals recommendations?

Answer 3

• Robust safety planning in all aspects of forest operations be made mandatory by Ministry.
• Ministry use its power to enforce safe use of resource roads. Calls for establishment and active communication in Road User Committees
• Ministry seek 2 amendments to the FA.
  1. make forest worker safety an explicit objective of the ABCFP
  2. include explicit mention of competence in forest worker protection in the “practice of pro forestry”

Question 4

Sec 117 of the WCA generally states that every supervisor must:

Answer 4

ensure the health and safety of all workers under direct supervision of the supervisor. ensure workers are made aware or know of all known risks and hazards to safety in the work area.

Question 5

Forest professionals should all be aware of OHS reg 26.2, generally stating that:

Answer 5

organizations as well as individuals have responsibilities for ensuring forest operations are planned and conducted in a manner that ensures the health and safety of workers.

Question 6

Bylaw 6, 10 and 11 are also important for FPs to know. Briefly describe.

Answer 6

6: an enrolled member may only participate in the practice of pro forestry under direct supervision of a registered member.
10: provides direction on use of professional seal. Also directs members to provide a certifying statement when stamping work that they did not personally complete.
11: directs that a member must provide the opportunity for professional development for those members under their employ or supervision.

Question 7

Bill C-45, sec 217.1 in the criminal code contains these additional safety clauses:

Answer 7

• Create rules for establishing criminal liability to organizations for the acts of their representatives
• Establish legal duty for all persons directing work of others to take reasonable steps to ensure safety of workers and public.
• sets out factors that court must consider when sentencing an organization.
• provides optional conditions of probations that a court may impose on an organization.