Safe Phase Integration and Preventing Phase Congestion - BC Forest Safety Council
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Training
Safe Phase Integration and
Preventing Phase Congestion
When there is a break down in can do to put effective controls in place to developed, someone may miss a critical
communication, supervision or planning, keep working safely and efficiently. piece of information that could lead to
different logging phases can become an injury, incident or Phase Congestion
bunched up or overcrowded resulting in To enroll in this training course, visit our situation. Make sure all communication
operational and safety risks. This “Phase website or call 1-877-741-1060 for more devices are operational and ensure there
Congestion” compromises the safety and information. is a way for workers to ask questions
efficiency of the operations. Workers who This article offers a sneak peek into this and document confirmation that they
are on foot (fallers, buckers, supervisors, training discussing three key factors in understand the change of plans.
etc.) are particularly at risk in these preventing Phase Congestion: Planning,
situations. Safety people often talk about “controlling
Supervision and Communication. a hazard”. So what are some of the
A specific example of Phase Congestion Planning starts with good layout, “controls” that logging contractors can use
is called stacking. This occurs when one harvesting plans and pre-work meetings when they see Phase Congestion?
phase is working uphill from other phases so everyone on the job knows the
and there is the potential for logs, rocks or • Stop work and re-evaluate the plan.
critical information they need to work
other debris to roll downhill and cause an safely including onsite hazards, details • Move equipment to a different part of the
incident. Runaway logs can travel through of the emergency response plan and block, new road, etc.
the standing timber between blocks in what communication methods will work
steep terrain. The steeper the terrain, the best on that site. Licensee leadership • Change the timing of operations such as
more of a hazard stacking becomes. and involvement is vital at this stage for scheduling trucks to be more spread out.
Congestion can occur geographically when successful site planning. A good example • Always have a Plan B or alternate
space on a worksite gets too small. It can of this is ensuring the licensee supports location in mind in case phases need to
also happen when time gets compressed sufficient planning time - giving contractors be moved.
and there is increased pressure to produce. working an area enough time to walk the
It can even happen outside regular logging site and conduct their planning for moving • Flag out no-work zones to keep phases
phases. For example, when there is in equipment and prepping their crew. apart.
increased traffic on roads during hunting Supervision is a critical part of preventing By increasing Phase Congestion awareness
season or there is industry work such congestion. Logging supervisors are often and providing better training to all crew
as pipeline construction occurring right pulled in several different directions, but members on how to reduce and control
beside your block or road. Tree planting it is critical for them to have time to spot hazards, we can achieve a safer and more
and silviculture operations can also be potential problems. They also need the efficient industry.
negatively affected by logging hazards freedom to alter plans and stay on-site
even though they arrive on-site long to closely monitor and direct the various For more tools and information on safe
after the block has been logged. Another types of site work so phases stay safely Phase Integration and preventing Phase
example of Phase Congestion is when a log integrated. The on-site supervisor should Congestion, visit the BCFSC Phase
loader breaks down. If a contingency plan be qualified and have the necessary Congestion webpage.
has not been developed or other controls experience to spot the signs of congestion
put in place, there is potential for both that is occurring.
skidding operations and log trucks waiting
for a load to bunch up. Communication
to all workers
The BC forest industry has identified Phase on-site is very
Congestion as a significant cause of serious important. External
incidents and has made a concerted effort factors can cause
to address this issue. Members of the Coast forestry worksites
Harvesting Advisory Group (CHAG), Falling to change
Technical Advisory Committee (FTAC) and frequently resulting
the BC Forest Safety Council (BCFSC) in a change to
have collaborated to develop training and worksite plans. If
resources that promote the safe integration a well-established
of phases. A free interactive online training procedure for
program is available to help supervisors communicating
and workers better identify when phases changes to
are becoming too congested and what they the crew isn’t
DECEMBER 2020 FOREST SAFETY NEWS Safety is good business 11
Training
WorkSafeBC Focuses on Safe Phase Integration
with the Introduction of a Conversation Guide
As multi-phase harvesting operations have become the norm
in BC, forestry workers find themselves at busy worksites that
can present an increased level of risk. Phase Congestion is an
industry-wide problem and has resulted in serious injuries and
fatalities. But a well-planned cutblock with qualified supervision
and an effective communication plan can function safely even if a
variety of different work activities are happening at the same time
— it’s called Safe Phase Integration.
WorkSafeBC identified Safe Phase Integration as an added
focus for the Forestry High Risk Strategy during 2019-2020 and
developed an educational resource tool called Forestry Phase
Integration: A Conversation Guide. It was created for WorkSafeBC
officers to conduct educational sessions using the guide to help
capture key data during High Risk Strategy inspections.
Between July 2019 and June 2020, WorkSafeBC officers
collected the following data insights from the completed guides:
• Total inspections completed with guides = 179
(Coast = 49, Interior = 130) • 14 – communication (on-site and also with licensee)
• Average number of Phases on site = 4.1 • 10 – number of product sorts on the landing or at roadside
(Coast = 3.9, Interior = 4.1) • 10 – road condition/quality/standard
• Multiple employer sites = 102/179 sites (57%) Other challenges of note included interactions with the public and
-- Coast - Multiple employer sites = 35/49 sites (71%) other users, timber quality and grade, and equipment availability.
“No challenges” was recorded eight times and Supervision was
-- Interior - Multiple employer sites = 67/ 130 sites (52%)
recorded five times.
• Workers on foot = 102/179 sites (57%) - 77 sites had no workers
WorkSafeBC identified “3 Pillars” of control measures - Planning,
on foot.
Communications and Supervision. For each challenge, ensure
-- Note: Workers on foot included ground crew workers, controls are specific and detailed to what is needed on-site.
supervision, mechanics, etc., but excluded truck drivers. Forest operations face many challenges which are magnified
-- Coast = 38/49 sites (78%) - 11 sites had no workers on foot by executing multi-phase operations or creating the need to
utilize multi-phase operations. Most challenges cited were
-- Interior = 64/130 sites (49%) - 66 sites had no workers on foot
related to planning; however, the importance of supervision
• Average number of workers on foot = 2.8 (for sites with workers and communication should not be overlooked. Some planning
on foot) challenges, such as separating phases and coordinating
safe distances, can be addressed by implementing suitable
-- Coast – Average number of workers on foot = 4.2 (for sites
control measures. Other planning challenges such as block
with workers on foot)
layout, harvest and delivery schedules, and deadlines were
-- Interior - Average number of workers on foot = 1.9 (for sites predominantly inherited by the contractor through decisions of
with workers on foot) the licensee or demands of outside forces prior to the contractor
commencing operations. Contactors face added pressures from
WorkSafeBC identified the top 10 challenges cited by respondents
these types of challenges, even though they may have tried to
including the number of times those challenges were cited:
implement control measures to address them. The responsibility
• 76 – separating phases and coordinating safe distances should be directed at a higher level (e.g. licensee or government)
to reduce or eliminate these types of challenges in the first
• 45 – block layout issues, size and number of landings, limited
place. Ultimately, the most important question to ask is “Who is
workspace
responsible for controlling the challenge/threat?”
• 45 – poor weather, snowy or wet ground conditions
A Critical Control is a key preventive measure or the last line of
• 33 – issues obtaining permits, market demands, deadlines and defence to prevent an incident from occurring. Less than half of
short notice pressures the respondents (78/179) were able to identify stop work, refuse
unsafe work or shut down as a Critical Control. This shows that a
• 32 – planning and scheduling issues by licensee
number of forestry firms still have some work to do to implement
• 32 – steep slopes, rough terrain, potential for runaway logs effective Critical Controls in their operations.
• 20 – worker turnover, lack of experience (training), availability For more information, go to worksafebc.com and search for
of workers “Managing Risk”.
DECEMBER 2020 FOREST SAFETY NEWS Safety is good business 12
Training
Entry Level Forest Worker Training Update
In follow up to the September 2020 Forest Program in Vanderhoof, BC on September
Safety News article, Selkirk College has 28, 2020. CNC’s success is due to their
now resumed training for students whose partnerships with local employer partners,
program was interrupted last March due to the municipality and the school district
COVID-19 and has made some pandemic who stepped up to arrange site visits and
safety adaptions to ensure learning transportation. The program instructor
outcomes are not affected. plans to maximize the number of site visits.
The students have already visited a log
Helen Worth, Selkirk’s Program Coordinator yard and practiced mapping and measuring
Grand Forks, commented on the program’s at a forested site near campus.
progression. “We are so grateful for the
opportunity to offer the Entry Level Forest Another funded pilot program is being
Worker training program in our community. rolled out in March 2021 at Coast Mountain
Forestry is a big part of the economy College in Terrace, BC. Registration is still
here and we’ve had a lot of support available for this Entry Level Forest Worker VIU plans to deliver their Fundamentals of
and encouragement from local industry training. For information visit their website. Forest Harvesting Practices Certificate in
partners. We’re pleased to be able to help March 2021. The training will be delivered
our students gain not only the skills and Programs containing some or all of the in Woss, BC supported by their industry
knowledge they need to start working in Entry Level Forest Worker training materials partner, Western Forest Products.
the industry, but also introduce them and are being offered by our pilot steering
committee members North Island College If you have any questions about
offer opportunities to work with some of the Entry Level Forest Worker
our local employers. The program exposes in Campbell River and Vancouver Island
University (VIU). Training Program, please contact Allison
students to a broad range of possible Thompson, BCFSC Manager Training &
career options which really helps in North Island College plans to deliver their Standards.
deciding which direction they want to take Coastal Forest Worker Certificate Program
in forestry.” which incorporates the Entry Level Forest Click on the link to learn more about
Worker training material to an indigenous the Entry Level Forest Worker Training
Selkirk is hopeful that students will make Program.
many industry connections through site cohort sponsored by the Homalco First
visits and guest speakers. Nation and WorkBC starting in December
2020. A tuition-based cohort will start in
The College of New Caledonia (CNC) also February 2021.
started their Entry Level Forest Worker
WorkSafeBC Provides Updates to BCFSC Trainers
In November 2020, BC Forest Safety Council trainers gathered The following lists were the top five most common orders written
for a two-day virtual meeting for the annual Train the Trainer during FHRS inspections for each segment of the strategy to the
session. During one of the sessions they received WorkSafeBC end of Q3-2020.
updates on industry performance, discussed sections of the
Regulation and addressed emerging issues. All forestry activities:
• OHSR 16.17(1)(d) – Escape from cab (open from both inside
WorkSafeBC’s Darcy Moshenko and Terry Anonson provided and outside)
updates on WorkSafeBC activities, which included details about
the Forestry High Risk Strategy, injury rate summaries, Safe • OHSR 16.35 – Securing tools and equipment
Phase Integration, new resources and changes to the Worker’s • OHSR 26.65(5) – Cab guard (record results of inspection)
Compensation Act (WCA) and Occupational Health and Safety
Regulations (OHSR). • OHSR 26.2(2) – Planning and conducting a forestry operation
• OHSR 3.17(1) – First aid procedures
The presentation on the 2018-2020 Forestry High Risk Strategy
(FHRS) outlined the goal of the strategy to raise awareness and Manual Falling and Bucking:
promote best practices, as well as help reduce serious injuries
• OHSR 7.8(1)(b) – Hearing tests (every 12 months after initial
and fatalities. The strategy focuses on the inspection process of
test)
segments of forest operations with exceptional risk to workers
and examining the responsibilities of owners/employers and • OHSR 26.24(5)(b) – Responsibility for falling and bucking
supervision. Key inspection activities include Manual Falling, (undercut complete and cleaned)
Mechanized Harvesting, Cable Yarding, Log Transportation and • OHSR 26.24(5)(c) – Responsibility for falling and bucking
Silviculture as well as a focus on Emergency Response Planning (sufficient holding wood)
and potential for hearing loss.
Continued on page 14...
DECEMBER 2020 FOREST SAFETY NEWS Safety is good business 13
Training
Continued from page 13...
• OHSR 26.24(5)(a) – Responsibility for falling and bucking Conversation Guide developed to help lead educational sessions
(sufficient undercut) during on-site High-Risk Strategy inspections conducted between
July 2019 – June 2020.
• OHSR 3.15(c) – First aid attendant qualifications (certificate at
required level) To learn more about Forestry Phase Integration, read the
dedicated articles on Phase Congestion from BCFSC and Safe
Hand Falling (dedicated WorkSafeBC hand falling team):
Phase Integration from WorkSafeBC on page 11 and 12.
• OHSR 7.8(1)(b) – Hearing tests (every 12 months)
Train the Trainer participants were also introduced to seven new
• OHSR 26.24(5)(b) – Responsibility for falling and bucking WorkSafeBC Fact Sheets developed specifically for forestry and
(undercut complete and cleaned) made available through local WorkSafeBC forestry officers. These
• OHSR 17.5(1) – Securing equipment (in vehicle) fact sheets covered a variety of topics including:
• OHSR 26.2(2) – Planning and conducting a forestry operation • Brushing, Weeding, Tree Thinning, Spacing (CU 703002)
• OHSR 26.28(1) – Summoning qualified assistance • Cable or Hi-Lead Logging (CU 703003)
Mechanized Harvesting: • Forest Fire Fighting (CU 703005)
• OHSR 16.17(1)(d) – Escape from cab (open from both inside • Log Transport Drivers
and outside) • Manual Tree Falling and Bucking (CU 703013)
• OHSR 26.2(2) – Planning and conducting a forestry operation • Mechanized Tree Falling (CU 703014)
• OHSR 26.4(2) – Notice of project • Tree Planting or Cone Picking (CU 703016)
• OHSR 16.21(2)(c) – Protective structures (log loader and log Darcy and Terry also highlighted bulletins featuring important
yarder window guards) information about reducing the risk of injury from spring-assisted
• OHSR 26.11(1) – Dangerous trees folding stakes on log transport trailers, fatigue risk in the
workplace, risk advisories on allergic reactions to organic blasting
Cable Yarding: material and setting up, organizing and working comfortably in
• OHSR 15.46(b) – ling identification (manufacturer’s grade and your home workspace.
WLL)
They also showcased a video about Layout Planning: A Focus
• OHSR 16.37(2) – Securing elevated loads on Faller Safety and provided the group with important updates
• OHSR 26.13.3(1) – Mobile yarder (permanent sign – to the changes made in April to the WCA and discussed the
manufacturer specs) rescheduling of the virtual public hearing on proposed changes to
the OHSR, which was previously scheduled for September 2020
• OHSR 4.8(2)(b) – Rated capacity (certified by P.Eng if but was postponed to December 10, 2020 due to the provincial
equipment modified) election. The proposed OHSR amendments will involve:
• OHSR 11.2(2) – Obligation to use fall protection (guard rails or • Part 6–Restricted entry intervals for pesticide application
other means of fall protection)
• Part 8–High visibility apparel
Log Transportation:
• Part 8–Safety headgear
• OHSR 26.65(5) – Cab guard (record results of inspection)
• Part 16–Mobile equipment
• OHSR 16.35 – Securing tools and equipment
• Part 18–Traffic control
• OHSR 26.65(8) – Cab guard (permanently marked and
• Part 21–Blasting operations
identified)
• OHSR 15.25(b) – Wire rope rejection criteria To learn more, visit the WorkSafeBC website.
• OHSR 16.8 – Warning signal device –backup alarm
Silviculture:
• OHSR 3.17(1) – First aid procedures
• OHSR 3.17(1)(f) – First aid procedures (prearranged routes)
• OHSR 5.38(2) – Handling and securing cylinders
• WCA 21(1)(a) – General duties of employers (health and safety
of workers)
• WCA 21(2)(e) – General duties of employers (provide
instruction, training, supervision, etc)
WorkSafeBC reviewed the injury and serious injury rates for
forestry classification units and presented the group with
information about Safe Phase Integration with a look at the new
DECEMBER 2020 FOREST SAFETY NEWS Safety is good business 14
Training
Healthy Worker Resources Now Available!
With the expertise of Dr. Delia Roberts,
the BC Forest Safety Council (BCFSC) has Healthy Workers Resources Poster Crew Talk Backgrounder
completed a series of crew talks, posters and
background information on the top 10 health- Vision and Hearing
related topics for forestry workers. Perfect
for safety meetings and wellness campaigns,
Balance and Agility
these tools will help raise awareness and
provide steps and advice on how to make
positive changes in our daily and long-term Components of Fitness
health.
The Health Worker Series was inspired by Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health
questions from the Coast Harvest Advisory
Committee (CHAG) and BCFSC’s Program Diabetes
Committee about the effects of aging in the
forestry workforce. It soon became apparent
the proposed health topics were relevant Fatigue and Sleep Health
and important for workers of all ages as well
as their families. Developing good habits to Diet and Nutrition
maintain your health at the start of your career
will make a big difference in the long run. But
even if you’re well into your 30’s, 40’s or 50’s, Cancer Risks and Prevention
looking after your body will improve every
aspect of your life at work and at home. Reducing the Rick of Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSI)
Check out the Healthy Workers Resources
on our website or click the bulleted links in Bone Health
the table to access the posters, crew talks
and backgrounders on individual health
topics.
Falling Supervisor Training during a Pandemic
BC Forest Safety Council (BCFSC) has While COVID-19 certainly interrupted our 2. Explain the importance of having an
established COVID-19 safety measures training plans this year, we have followed Emergency Response Plan and how to
for training activities for in-classroom BC’s COVID-19 Restart Plan guidelines and prepare one
courses and outdoor in-field training. We are on track to deliver both in-class, in-field
ensure the venues we use allow for safe and online courses including four Falling 3. Explain the importance of having a Block
physical distancing and health and safety Supervisor sessions with Phase 3 safety Falling Plan and how to develop one
information is shared, understood and measures in place. 4. Use the BC Faller Training Standard to
adhered to by participants. Our trainers evaluate a Certified Faller
also demonstrate and encourage best The Falling Supervisor training course is a
practices throughout the course. five-day course aimed at experienced and 5. Understand the human factors and soft
new falling supervisors and recommended skills important in managing fallers
BCFSC contract trainer Doug Harrison for those who supervise fallers or engage
submitted these photos from the Falling falling contractors. The learning objectives Visit our website for more information on
Supervisor training held in Prince George are: Falling Supervisor training including how to
this past October. register for these upcoming sessions.
1. Explain the differences
between certified and • Campbell River – June 2021
qualified: • Prince George – June 2021
• Certified Faller and • Nelson – September 2021
Qualified Faller
• Campbell River – November 2021
• Certified Falling
Supervisor and Qualified For some Falling Supervisors, the Certified
Falling Supervisor Falling Supervisor Program is the next step
in their career. Information on the Certified
• Qualified Assistance Falling Supervisor Program is also available
on our website.
DECEMBER 2020 FOREST SAFETY NEWS Safety is good business 15
Training
BC Forest Safety Council 2021 Training
Thinking about your individual or company help supervisors
training needs for next year? Take a look understand their
at our 2021 training course calendar to help strengths and
plan out your year. weaknesses and
recognize how
The BC Forest Safety Council (BCFSC) their personal
continues to deliver a range of courses style impacts
aimed at continually improving workplace the workers they
and worker safety in BC’s forestry industry. supervise.
From supervisors to saw operators, incident Falling Supervisor
investigators to safety program auditors, – Participants will
BCFSC helps individuals acquire relevant learn the roles and
training and certification through classroom responsibilities of a
and online training. Falling Supervisor
All necessary precautions have been taken and become familiar
to safely deliver in-person training during with processes Participants assess hazards in the block during Falling Supervisor training in
the pandemic. We work closely with our used to support due Prince George, BC in October 2020.
venues, trainers and service providers to diligence. This course
ensure a safe learning environment. is for Falling Supervisors and individuals • Individual Owner Operator (IOO)
who oversee falling activities. Falling
• Small Employer OHS (SEOHS)
To review our full list of 2021 training experience, or a broad understanding of
courses, check out our Training Calendar falling hazards and the means to control • Basic Audit Safety Evaluation (BASE) 4
or click on a link below to view a specific them, is recommended. Internal
course type. We also offer group training • BASE 4 External
sessions by request, bringing our courses As part of their ERP planning, participants
to your location at a time most convenient complete a heli-vac orientation at the • SAFE Conversion for BCCSA, Energy
to you and your operation. Email us at Falling Supervisor course in Prince George, Safety Canada and SafetyDriven
training@bcforestsafe.org to learn more. October 19-23, 2020.
Joint Health and Safety Committee – Online Training
Classroom Training This course provides Joint Health and Forestry Safety Overview – An informative
Safety Committee (JHSC) fundamentals for four-hour forestry safety overview course
Classroom training courses have a
both forestry harvesting operations and for anyone working in the BC forest
maximum enrollment cap so enroll now to
wood products manufacturing and meets industry. Participants should be active in
secure your spot.
the training requirements for new joint their company’s business operations and
Basic Incident Investigation – This course committee members and/or worker health knowledgeable of the work activities. This
provides a basic understanding of the and safety representatives. course benefits everyone but is typically
methods, tools and processes needed geared towards a supervisor of forestry-
Basic Chainsaw Operator Training – This
to conduct an incident investigation. It is related activities.
course educates participants in Safe Work
suitable for those individuals required to
Procedures and necessary saw handling Serious Incident and Fatality Investigation
complete incident investigations such as
principles to safely operate a chainsaw. It - A four-hour course providing instruction
Joint Committee Members or Supervisors.
is developed for the forest industry but is on how to complete investigations for
Forest Supervisor – We offer three course open to anyone. This basic training does incidents involving serious injuries or
modules for forest supervisors to develop NOT qualify participants to fall trees or fatalities. We recommend participants
and enhance their skills and knowledge to produce bucking cuts on steep terrain. complete the Basic Incident Investigation
help oversee workers effectively. More advanced skills training is required in course prior to enrolling but it is not
these areas. mandatory.
• Module 1 – Due Diligence for Forest
Supervisors is a two-day classroom Resource Road Light Truck Driver Training Phase Congestion Training - This
workshop to help supervisors – This course teaches the safe operation interactive online training course helps
understand their legal responsibilities of light trucks on BC resource roads and supervisors and workers better understand
and provide tools and knowledge on is suitable for any worker using resource how to safely integrate simultaneous
how to prove due diligence. roads. This training is conducted primarily worksite phases and prevent phase
• Module 2 – Communication for Forest on-site at field access locations and congestion. This training was developed
Supervisors is a one-day classroom focusses on hands-on driving activities and with input from industry experts and
workshop to help supervisors and safety procedures. provides realistic logging scenarios to help
managers improve their communication SAFE Companies: identify and understand simultaneous site
skills at work. BCFSC offers various Occupational Health activities and develop safe work practices
and Safety training for individuals intending to avoid phase congestion and potential
• Module 3 – Leadership and
to submit SAFE Companies and/or COR high-risk situations.
Professionalism for Forest Supervisors
is a one-day classroom workshop to Audits including:
DECEMBER 2020 FOREST SAFETY NEWS Safety is good business 16You can also read
