WESTERN CANADIAN LUMBER WORKER > ~ a i" } ine ae Pits: A PA atte Fn a utp: EF i ih oR fk pet? 4 i : 4 . — 7225s aes wets 3 AN INVITATION TO = CO-OPERATE! The I.W.A. has invited the Forestry Department, The Workmen’s Com- pensation Board and Management to meet and work together to eliminate casu- alties in fighting fire in our forests. The Union has kicked off a campaign to fill the broad gap in safety cover- age for our people and for the general public, which exists in the fighting of fire in the woods. In 1958 thirteen men were killed fighting fires. In 1960 six men were killed and many more were injured. Recent reports show that in 1961, so far, the cost of fighting fires has tripled over last year. While accident figures are not yet available, obviously the high fire incidence this year will create a hazard situation for our people, far in excess of former years. Our logging Locals are greatly disturbed over this dangerous situation. The regional officers have on several occasions approached the Minister of Lands and Forests of the Province, urging him to call a meeting of Management, the Workmen’s Compensation Board and the Union to deal immediately with this problem, The W.C.B.’s Department of Safety has evinced keen interest in this proposition. The Forestry Department too has shown concern, but so far has failed to act. John T. Atkinson, IWA Regional Safety Director has already voiced the need for better means of communication in the new method of water bombing. Tragedies such as the Martin Mars Water Bomber crash must not be allowed to repeat themselves. Historically, the success of the present safety program which protects our people engaged in logging emerged as the result of tremendous pressure, and the start of a campaign initiated by the I.W.A. in 1949. Very quickly, Manage- ment and the Workmen’s Compensation Board joined hands with the Union to produce a vigorous and sustained attack on the hazards of our industry. Thus, today our members work under safer conditions until the dreaded col- tests of our members, the safety rules are ignored by Management and the For- estry Department in the rush to fight the common enemy, fre. Forgotten is the more terrible enemy — death and injury through careless- ness. Forgotten, too, is the oft-learned lesson that an unsafe operation is a stu- pidly inefficient operation, whether it be sawing lumber, yarding logs, or fight- ing fires. Fire fighters have always been covered by compensation for death or in- juries suffered in carrying out their duties. Curiously, the Forestry Department and some of Management have until recently, maintained and implemented a policy that the Compensation Board Safety Regulations did not apply when fighting fire. The Workmen’s Compensation Board and the Union have been in- sisting that the regulations must apply. : Recently a victory was won in the Appeal Court of British Columbia by ‘Loeal 1-71 in establishing the right of loggers to refuse to enter the woods to _ fight fire without proper safety equipment. . It is possible that the winning of this Appeal had some bearing on the sub- t reversal of its position by the Forestry Department, which now agrees that the Workmen’s Compensation Board Safety Regulations apply in their en- tirety in fire fighting. Certainly, this is an important step forward. x However, the need for a concrete safety program in this area is immediate. _ Let us hope that the parties concerned in this issue will not be responsible more deaths and injuries due to inaction or delay. 3 The wealth of the Province going up in smoke and flame. ‘) umn of smoke appears over the hill. Then, in many instances, despite the pro- | Photo Courtesy The Province 10 BASIC i SAFETY RULES Correct or report unsafe conditions. Don’t horseplay; avoid distracting others. Use, adjust and repair equipment only when authorized. When lifting, bend your knees; get help for heavy loads. Use the right tools and equipment for the job; use them safely. Use prescribed protective equipment; wear safe clothing; keep them in good condition. Comply with all safety rules and signs. Reyer ALL injuries; get first aid promptly. Help keep everything clean and orderly. 9O0o00 060 © 6 8 OO ®@ Follow all instructions; Don’t take chances; if you don’t know, ask. BRITISH COLUMBIA WORKMEN’S -