Then & Now: The growth of safety in the forestry industry

Canadian Occupational Safety is celebrating 60 years of publication in 2023. To mark the occasion, we are writing a series of articles that look back on the industries we cover to explore how safety practices have changed over the years.

The forestry industry has undergone a significant safety transformation over the past 40 years, which has seen lost time injuries fall like a freshly copped birch. A combination of legislation, education, and technological advancement are the roots of the safety culture that led to this remarkable reduction in injuries and fatalities.

Tom Welton, the director for health and safety services and education programs at Workplace Safety North, recently shared his insights on the evolution of safety practices in the forestry industry, which he has witnessed firsthand, having entered the sector in the 1980s.

In an interview on the COS Talk podcast, Welton reflected on the progress made over the past four decades, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that propelled the industry forward.

Welton began by highlighting the stark contrast between the safety practices of the past and those of today. “In 1992, there were 667 lost time injuries in the province of Ontario alone. But last year, in the entire logging sector, we had 34 lost time injuries for the entire year." Welton says this dramatic reduction in injuries showcases the industry's commitment to improving safety.

Recalling the early years of the forestry industry, Welton noted the high-risk nature of traditional logging methods. "We had chainsaws and cable skidders, and we had a lot of fatalities every year," he says. However, advancements in technology and equipment have significantly changed logging operations. Welton explains, "we now have mechanical harvesting machines, which have really changed the face of the industry."

One crucial factor in improving safety standards was the establishment of legislated modular training programs. "During the '90s, we started to push education and training because we were seeing a lot of injuries," recalls Welton. The collaboration between the government and the industry led to consistent standards for skills-based training, ensuring that workers entering the forestry sector received comprehensive training to identify and manage workplace hazards.

Welton also highlighted the evolving nature of hazards in the industry. He emphasized the importance of regular risk assessments to address the highest risks faced by forestry workers. "In 2017, distracted driving hazards became the number one risk," says Welton.

This shift prompted Workplace Safety North to collaborate with the sustainable forest initiative to develop an online training program called "Safe Driving on Forest Roads." Welton says, "we developed this program to raise awareness about the hazards of distracted driving and remind workers of the importance of safe practices."

Substance use emerged as another significant safety concern within the forestry sector. Welton acknowledged the progress made in addressing this issue, stating, "In 2017, substance use was the second-highest risk, but recent risk assessments have shown a drop in concerns."

Employers continue to explore strategies to tackle substance use, particularly in isolated locations where access to immediate medical assistance may be challenging. The forestry industry is considered a high-risk industry, and recently the province of Ontario made it mandatory for high-risk industries to have naloxone kits available on worksites. The province is also considering making it mandatory for all workplaces.

Considering the increasing threat of wildfires across Canada, safety in the forestry sector has become even more critical. Welton says emergency preparedness and training for workers in forest firefighting is of the utmost importance. "With the early wildfire season, we've had to adjust our work plans," he says. Employers have prioritized machine maintenance, restricted work hours, and communication protocols to mitigate fire risks.

Welton acknowledges that despite the progress made, challenges persist in the forestry industry's safety landscape. He says employers must adapt to new technologies and stay ahead of emerging risks. "With automation and robotics entering the industry, we need to ensure that safety measures keep pace.”

Welton says whether employers will keep pace depends on the nature of their safety culture. He stresses the need for strong leadership and employee engagement in driving safety initiatives. "Safety needs to be ingrained in the everyday work practices of everyone involved.”

Welton acknowledges the ongoing challenges and believes constant vigilance is required in the forestry industry. "Safety is an ongoing effort. We have to keep at it and keep trying new things." With a collaborative approach and a commitment to continuous improvement, the forestry sector can build on its remarkable progress and ensure the well-being of its workers in the years to come.

"We've come a long way, but there's always more work to be done to make sure people go home safe at the end of the day." The dedication of industry stakeholders, along with advancements in technology, improved training programs, and a focus on identifying and mitigating emerging risks, has transformed the forestry industry into a safer and more sustainable sector. Those three pillars of safety will keep the industry poised to navigate future challenges and protect its most valuable asset—its workforce.