News

Western Forestry Contractors’ Association

Since the beginning of May, the silviculture sector has been operating under communicable disease prevention guidelines issued by the Provincial Health Office (PHO of British Columbia). Although conditions have continued to improve, COVID-19 remains a threat to public health, and there is still no viable treatment or vaccine available. Public activity is now entering Phase-3 of the COVID management plan with increased travel and opening of dining service industries. However, a formal revision of silviculture guidelines by the PHO is not likely to occur until at least the fall season, and is expected to be part of a larger revision of guidelines for all remote and camp-based workplaces. In the meantime, isolated silviculture crews with no signs of COVID-19 infection over multiple weeks of operation have been seeking to make changes in their operations to protect the mental health of employees, respect their civil liberties, and support efficiency of operations.