The number of fatalities in British Columbia (BC) forests increased during 2008, according to statistics from the BC Forest Safety Council.
There were 21 deaths last year, compared with 16 in 2007 and 12 in 2006. Injuries were down to 55, nearly half the number recorded each year between 2005-2007.
The 2008 death tally includes two log truck drivers killed in separate incidents, and a tree planter’s death when a pick-up rolled over.
Amendments to the WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation came into force on January 1, including additions to Part 17: Transportation of Workers which look to ensure worker transportation vehicles used off highways meet seat belt assembly requirements under the Motor Vehicle Act.
