Alert of the Month

It has been a busy year and businesses may have missed some of the regulation changes that have come into effect or some of the new tools that can help you run a successful business. As we start 2018, please review the following that are applicable to forestry operations:

Chain Shot:

• This updated regulation requires that equipment built in the future (May 1, 2019 and after) meet new requirements for protection from chain shot. This applies to equipment running saws with saw chain, like processors. It’s not a requirement for existing equipment, but consider updating your machines to better protect operators.
   
• The new protective measures include meeting one of the following: protective guards that prevent the cab windows from being directly struck by saw chain shot, cab windows that are made up of polycarbonate with a thickness of at least 32mm or cab windows that meet the level 1 ballistics test of the ANSI/UL 752 standard.
   
• For the exact wording, check out the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) section 26.13.4.
   
• Link: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/law-policy/occupationalhealth-safety/searchable-ohs-regulation/ohs-regulation/part-26-forestry-operations

Mechanical Falling Multiple Cuts:

• There is a guideline that provides good information for logging operations that may need to use multiple cuts to fall larger trees. It isn’t new (created in 2016) but some companies may not be aware of the guideline. It includes details on planning and safe work practices.
   
• Link: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/law-policy/occupational-health-safety/searchable-ohs-regulation/ohs-guidelines/guidelines-part-26

Winch Assist Operations:

• There are no new regulations for winch assist operations but WorkSafeBC has created a great Traction Assist Checklist for use by Employers.
   
• Link: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/checklist/traction-assist-logging-equipment-inspection-checklist?lang=en

Joint Health and Safety Committees and Worker Safety Reps:

• Some of the regulation changes include mandatory training for new committee members and safety reps and the new requirement to do an annual evaluation of the committee.
   
• Link: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/create-manage/joint-health-safety-committees

Incident Investigation Changes and Resources:

• There are new requirements for incident investigations, including completing the preliminary investigation within 48 hour and the full investigation within 30 days.
   
• Link: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/create-manage/incident-investigations/conducting-employer-investigation

Resources for New Workers and their Employers:

• If you have young workers in your company, the following videos and information will help them and you as the employer know your safety responsibilities.
   
• Links: http://worksafebclistentoyourgut.com

  http://worksafebcwhatiknownow.com/