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:: Friday, November 05, 2004 ::

Faller certification will boost safety in the forests WorkSafebc.com
'The creation of the BC Safety Council has provided the firm foundation for a renewed focus on safety issues in our industry,' said BCFSC member Rob Wood, President of the Truck Loggers Association. 'Certification of fallers is a critical first step in our campaign to dramatically reduce and ultimately eliminate fatalities and serious injuries in B.C.'s forest industry.'

Between 1998 and 2003 there were 26 falling deaths and more than 1,400 falling-related injuries. The number of serious injuries and fatalities to fallers in B.C. is unacceptable according to the WCB, Steelworkers-IWA, independent fallers and forest companies.

Forest Industry Forms Safety Council Canada NewsWire
The Council's work plan will focus on four critical areas:

- Promoting Cultural Change to ensure that safety is treated as an over-riding priority and a shared responsibility throughout the sector.
- Promoting a Safety Conscious Legal Regime in which the laws, regulations and compliance programs encourage and support safety.
- Developing a Competent and Confident Workforce where workers are trained and certified and encouraged to work safely.
- Encourage Qualified Companies where safety programs are encouraged and rewarded.

As one of its first priorities, the Council is currently implementing the BC Faller Training Standard & Certification Program in close cooperation and with the assistance of the WCB. This is a major step and the first example of moving toward a certified and trained workforce in this critical area.

posted 8:53 AM :: reference link :: 0 comments ::

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