The forestry sector has been a major part of Nova Scotia’s economy for generations.
Employers and workers have embraced safety and as a result, the sector’s safety performance is improving.
In 2020 there were 19 time-loss injuries in the forestry sector. The number of serious injuries has been steadily trending downward. For example, in 2006 and 2007 there were about 60 lost-time injuries in the forestry sector.
The Forestry Safety Society is working to reduce the impact of workplace injury in Nova Scotia’s forestry industry.
Physical Hazards
| PHYSICAL HAZARDS
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PREVENTION:
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| Rough, uneven, unstable, slippery or elevated work surfaces or areas?
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Understand and follow industry codes of practice
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| Working alone?
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Assess areas for stability
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| Machinery with moving parts?
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Set up a communication system
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| Getting in and out of elevated cabs or seats?
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Provide slip-resistant floor surfaces
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| Compressed air and hydraulic equipment?
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Proper maintenance and guarding of equipment
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| Working on or operating loaders?
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Proper handling of materials and tools
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| Driving in extreme weather or on uneven terrain?
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Proper personal protective equiment (PPE) and proper work clothing
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| Roadside adjustments or repair to vehicle?
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Safe work practice for traffic control and visibility
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| Moving and coupling heavy equipment?
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Proper lift and transfer tools and practices
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| Exposure to the hazards of other work sites?
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Get safety orientation to customer hazards
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| Securing awkward and unstable loads?
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Proper load-securing tools and practices
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Ergonomic Hazards
| ERGONOMIC HAZARDS
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PREVENTION:
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| Repetitive work motions?
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Understand and follow safe work practices
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| Forceful motions of the hands and wrists,,arms and shoulders, knees and legs?
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Training, safe work practice and PPE
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| Akward working positions?
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Proper maintenance of tools and equipment
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| Equipment/tools that vibrate?
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Hazard assessment process for work areas and tasks
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| Uneven/unstable work areas?
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When lifting and moving heavy objects, keep load between shoulders and knees
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| Long periods of standing or sitting?
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Involve workers in the design of safe work processes
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| Heavy and awkward loads to lift and transfer?
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Proper lift and transfer tools and practices
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Environmental Hazards
| ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
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PREVENTION:
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| High noise levels?
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PPE for eyes, ears and head
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| Temperature extremes?
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Safe work practice and dress for extreme outdoor conditions, including presence of biting insects and animals
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| Wet environments?
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Rest periods in comfortable areas
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| Chemicals or toxic fumes?
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Water supply for drinking and washing
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| Biting insects, rodents or wildlife?
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Toilet facilities
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| Breathing and lung irritants?
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Adequate airflow
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| Working around unstable objects?
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Signage and proper load-securing tools and practices
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| Skin irritations?
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Safe work practice, training, PPE and water supply for washing
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