Fatality Alert

The following is from the RCMP’s statement about the incident:

“On Wednesday March 7th 2018 at 6:03 AM, Fort St James RCMP and Emergency Services Personnel responded to a report of a crash on the 100 Forest Service Road, north of Fort St James.

On scene police discover that a loaded logging truck had gone off the road and down a 15-foot embankment. The crash caused the logs to shift into the cab, trapping the driver. The driver, and lone occupant, a 44-year-old man from Merritt BC, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing and police continue to gather forensic evidence to help determine the causal factors in this crash.”

We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and our sympathies to all those affected by this incident.

This is the first harvesting fatality of 2018.

While this incident is still under investigation and details are still to be determined, please review the following safety information related to safe log hauling:

1. Break up conditions and night hauls will be happening soon. Plan sleep schedules and truck maintenance to be well prepared.
    
2. Break up can create hazardous conditions including changes in road surface traction in short periods of time. Slow down and expect that conditions may be different throughout the shift.
    
3. Avoid distracted driving by maintaining mental focus and not “checking out”, securing objects from moving around in the cab and minimizing phone and radio distractions.
    
4. A healthy lifestyle helps to stay alert and safe. A balanced, nutritious diet and drinking enough water are important practices. Regular medical checkups will help identify any health conditions.
    
5. Pay particular attention to load securement including checking the condition of wrappers and bullboards. Take care of maintenance right away to ensure unsafe conditions do not occur.
    
6. Check and tighten wrappers regularly to maintain load securement.