Order and guidelines in place to protect those working in silviculture

On April 23, 2020, Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry issued an order for industrial camps; that applies to workers in the agricultural, aquacultural, forestry and resource sectors, as well as those who provide accommodation for these workers.

Every year, around 5,000 tree planters, mainly from B.C. and other Canadian provinces, travel to work in remote camps and communities throughout the province.

This year, in an attempt to reduce the risk the spread of COVID-19, all tree planters will be subject to strict screening procedures for COVID-19 symptoms before admission to filed camps or community accommodations.

The BC Centre of Disease Control guidelines for those working in silviculture sector require:

screening of workers for symptoms or potential COVID-19 exposure;
added hygiene measures in camps, including hand washing stations;
training workers on how to stay safe while travelling to camp and to worksites;
food preparation guidelines;
limiting travel outside of camp; and
having at least one infection and control co-ordinator at each site.

All tree planting employers are required to implement an infection prevention control plan for work camp locations, including field camps and hotel/motel accommodations, and must submit these plans to the ministry. All forestry camps, accommodations and worksites will be inspected by provincial prevention and control officers to ensure all required health and safety measures are in place. In addition, the Province has implemented on-site security at motels and hotels to ensure tree planters adhere to the PHO’s orders and guidance.

by Veronica Beltran

Order and guidelines in place to protect those working in silviculture

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