Information is frequently changing and this page will be updated regularly.

The BC Forest Safety Council is actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation to determine how we can best support forestry workers, contractors and employers throughout BC. We continue to follow guidance from public health officials and will adjust and enhance our resources and information to ensure all necessary precautions are being taken to minimize the risks of COVID-19 transmission and illness to forest sector employees.

The safety of forest industry workers remains our top priority.

Provincial-Wide Orders

For the latest COVID-19 restrictions from the BC Public Health Authority, please visit:

www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions

WorkSafeBC support for the PHO Closure Order (April 9, 2021)

Workplace Planning

WorkSafeBC Enhanced COVID-19 Inspections and Consultations Update: Workplaces identified as the highest risk for COVID-19 transmission will be prioritized for WorkSafeBC Safety Plan inspections and consultations. Employers are urged to stay vigilant by revisiting their existing COVID-19 Safety Plan and updating it with the involvement of their workers as conditions change. For more information, download the WorkSafeBC - Enhanced COVID-19 Inspections and Consultations Update. 

BC’s Restart Plan is a four-phased approach to ensure the gains and efforts we have made to date allow us to continue to move forward. Industry sectors are encouraged to develop enhanced protocols aligned with the Public Health and Safety Guidelines and WorkSafeBC and will be expected to adopt and implement sector COVID-19 Safety Plans.

The BCFSC has assembled resources and information for the forestry sector to work safely. This information is catalogued by operational use based on the type of company you run. If you are unsure of which information you need to support your organization, the BCFSC is here to help. We have Safety Advisors available to you all over BC who can help you put your plans into action. If you are unable to reach one of them, please contact us at 1-877-741-1060.

Contact Us

BCFSC COVID-19 Safety Plan

• BCFSC Safety Protocols - Clients and Visitors
• BCFSC COVID-19 Safety Policy
• BCFSC Working in the Office During COVID - updated February 9, 2021
  
• BC Phase 2 and 3 Timelines for Site Visits
• SAFE Companies Safety Advisor Field Level Risk Assessment
  • Safety Advisor BC Phase 2 and 3 Guidance Protocol
  • Biological Hazard Management
  • Site Pre-Visit Assessment Plan
• Falling Safety Advisor Field Activity Risk Assessment
• Classroom Training for:
  • Training participants
  • Trainers
  • Venues and Caterers

View Restart information that relates to your industry:

• Harvesting
• Transportation
• Manufacturing
• Silviculture
• Contractors
• Auditors

For general COVID-19 information, access the following:

• WorkSafeBC Forest Industry Information - updated December 17, 2020
• Health Agency & Government Links
• Personal Health Resources & Information - updated December 17, 2020
• COVID-19 Resource Catalogue
• BCFSC COVID-19 Response

Disclaimer

BCFSC documents and resources have been developed for industry as guidelines and reference documents for employers and employees to use to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. BCFSC developed documents will contain COVID-19 information relevant at the time the document was created. As information is updated regularly, the BCFSC encourages workers and employers to visit the BC Centre for Disease Control for personal health inquiries or visit WorkSafeBC for regulatory information relating to workplace safety.