PHOTOS BY NORMAN GARCIA = Logging remains an occupation of hazards despite repeated efforts by all parties to make the industry safer. A forest industry safety association is needed Task force issues IWA members continue to be killed in the B.C. forest industry in great numbers and a Task Force, undertaken by the union, has recommendations it has made to the union, industry and government BY NORMAN GARCIA IT’ Menard. “That only means we have to do more.” The report contains 29 solid recommendations (see opposite page) that the IWA, the WCB, and the industry/employers can take to eliminate injuries and ill- nesses, specifically in the logging sector. Produced by the IWA national office and five B.C. coast local unions, the report was spurred by the ongoing series of severe and fatal injuires in the forest industry — an industry which is recognized as one of the most dangerous in Canada. “We believe our Task Force report is a must-read for all parties involved in the Coast industry,” says Brother Menard, who recently retired from his role as national first vice president and officer responsible for occupational health and safety. “It makes recommendations for actions to be taken by stakeholders to make our workplaces safer and healthier places to earn a living, Many of these recommendations can also be examined and put to good use in other parts of the province and country.” The Task Force Committee members consist of Brother Menard, national safety council chair and safety director for Local 1-3567 Les Veale, Local 2171 safe- ty director Jim Parker, faller Jack Miller from Local 2171, recently-retired faller Al Lundgren from Local 1-80, Local 1-85 safety director George Rogers, grader oper- taor and safety coordinator Steven Roberts from Local 1-85, and faller Ron Schultz from Local 363. AN INDUSTRY where things ain’t getting any A NEED TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE — better despite decades of programs, policies and things can change in the industry and that all platitudes. “Many things have been tried and still the forest industry in B.C. kills about 30 workers a oe weles aie ie year,” says former national first vice president and OH&S officer Neil 2¢°¢5S#1Y measures,” adds Brother Veale The task force committee, believes that parties must do their part to make that happen. “What we have said in the report is that we, “Now we need the WCB and the industry to work with us to live up to their responsiblities to take necessary actions.” The report points out that there is an over- whelming apprehension about job security in an industry which is being impact éd by the softwood lumber dispute and that resources for OH&S activities have % been impacted as a result. The IWA, employers and worker describe initiatives which have been curtailed or discontinued as a result of financial concerns, _ including safety training programs. A SURVEY OF RISKY BUSINESS g ; : % The survey, which was largely carried out with the participation of fallers on Vancouver Island and the Johnstone Straits, revealed that over 75 percent of fall ers have suffered injuries in the workplace. Over 53 per cent have claimed WCB wage loss benefits and nearly a quarter have been discouraged by management and fellow workers for making a claim for an injury. About 37 per cent say that not all injuries or illnesses are reported to the company or to first aid. Many com- ments revealed that workers are concerned they will be disciplined if they injuries. Weyerhauser’s discipline policy is often mentioned. On the upside, 89 per cent believe a safety committee is required and nearly 90 per cent say their safety committee is functional, while 83.3 per cent believe that their committee can work to improve.their workplace situation. Some 88 per cent believe that the union supports OH&S activities while some would like to see more support. 3 10 | THE ALLIED WORKER DECEMBER 2002