Forest Operations and Worker Safety

Project Abstract:
With the changes that are taking place to our environment as a result of the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation and climate change, forest operations managers and practitioners have had to adjust their practices accordingly. Harvesting practices that protect understorey regeneration, road and landing construction that address increases in the water table and ever present concern for worker safety have all had to be re evaluated under this new reality. Along with these environmental changes come the new practices and guidelines under the results based legislative framework which are still evolving. To support these changes and address the needs identified in the 2003–05 Forest Operations General Needs Assessment (Morford et al, 2003) the Forest Operations extension team will work with the research community to improve timely access to expertise and innovations related to forest operational practices. This project will extend the latest and most relevant science and experiential knowledge to support the forest operations community address their concerns. Members of the Forest Operations extension team will work with existing literature and experts in the community to synthesize results, develop products and extend information through presentations, site visits and field tours to primary clients. When completed the project will be evaluated and future work adjusted based on evaluation results.

For further information on this project, please contact Darcy.Moshenko@fpinnovations.ca.