Between 2017 and 2021, shoulder injuries arising from forestry workers securing log loads on trucks cost WorkSafeBC and the British Columbia forest industry more than $4.6 million. These claims were related to throwing, removing, cinching, and tightening wrappers during the load securement process. FPInnovations, in collaboration with the Load Securement Working Group, has identified tools and practices to mitigate the risk of load securement-related injuries, and options suitable for the workers’ specific operational needs.
These resources are described in a recently published report, Evaluation of Technologies and Practices to Reduce or Eliminate Log Load Securement Related Injuries. In the near future, these tools will also be presented in a user-friendly format along with training videos.
The Load Securement Working Group—a subcommittee of the Log Truck Technical Advisory Committee of the BC Forest Safety Council—focuses on initiatives that reduce the risk of injuries to log truck operators during loading, unloading, routine, and non-routine operations. The group and FPInnovations will continue to work together to identify additional operational considerations, procedures, risks, and mitigation methods.
Need more information on resources, education, and training for British Columbia’s forestry workers? Visit the BC Forest Safety Council’s website. For more information on the report, contact Mithun Shetty, Senior Researcher, Transportation and Infrastructure.
