Category Archives: Health & Safety

Len Bourdin

Len Bourdin, 64, feels as if he’s never worked a day in his life. OHS Canada’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement winner’s tenure in the occupational health and safety industry has seen him move from the oil and gas industry, to starting his own consulting company, and eventually to Millar Western — a Canadian forest products company where he’s spent the last 28 years. “I don’t have a job,” said Bourdin, the Edmonton company’s director of health, safety and risk management. “If you wake up in the morning and you enjoy what you do, you never have to work a day in your life. And that’s what this is to me.” …Bourdin has spent his entire professional career dedicated to improving health, safety systems and procedures for employees within the company, and across the province of Alberta.

It’s only a matter of time before Metro Vancouver feels the full brunt of the wildfire smoke that’s smothering southern parts of B.C. Experts say that what’s in the forecast for Saturday, easterly winds carrying smoke into the region as early as 3 a.m., could foreshadow what is still to come. Christopher Rodell of the University of B.C.’s FireSmoke forecasting system said it predicts smoke will envelop Metro until strong Pacific winds push it back eastward the next day. What is still to be determined is the concentration of particulate matter, or smoke, in the air, although current estimates put it at low risk of causing any adverse health effects, he said. “It won’t be terribly noticeable but people with sensitive noses might be able to detect the smoke,” according to the atmospheric science researcher.

Read the latest issue of WorkSafe Magazine, featuring articles on the evolution of electric vehicle safety, rock-solid injury prevention, and shifting focus to communicable disease prevention.

• On the cover: The evolution of electric vehicle safety
• Ask an officer: Preventing the most common work-related disease: hearing loss
• Safety spotlight: Rock-solid injury prevention
• Safety talk: Transporting farm workers safely
• WorkSafeBC update: From COVID-19 Safety Plans to communicable disease prevention

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PPE is a crucial safety measure to protect workers from injuries. Ill-fitting PPE may not protect a worker from hazards or may not function in the manner for which it was designed. Ill-fitting PPE can jeopardize worker safety and elevate the risk to injury not just to those wearing it but to their co-workers. Equipment that is designed for men is not likely to fit women properly due to differences in body size, height and body composition. Lana Kurtz, Safety & Environment Manager for Interfor’s Western Operations and BCFSC Board Member, has developed a list of PPE options that are suited to fit a smaller frame, height, shoe size, etc. This list includes PPE categories from work boots to apparel such as hi-vis vests, gloves, chainsaw pants, etc. with a source list of stores, locations and direct weblinks to online ordering.

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Drought and water scarcity continues to impact most of the southern half of British Columbia. Most of these areas have experienced little to no rainfall over the last five weeks, with continued dry weather in the forecast. …Everyone needs to do their part to conserve water resources… Areas currently under Drought Level 4 (adverse impacts on people, fish or ecosystems are likely) include: the Salmon River, Coldwater River and Nicola River watersheds in the Thompson-Okanagan; the Kettle River, Lower Columbia Basin, and West Kootenay Basin; and the Eastern Vancouver Island Basin and Gulf Islands. Regions currently under Drought Level 3 include the entire Okanagan Valley, Similkameen, South Coast and Lower Mainland, Cariboo/Chilcotin, North and South Thompson Basins and parts of Western Vancouver Island. …If conservation measures do not achieve sufficient results…, temporary protection orders under the Water Sustainability Act may be issued to water licensees, to avoid significant or irreversible harm to aquatic ecosystems.

British Columbia’s emergency co-ordination agency is working to expand its use of a public alert system for large-scale and potentially fatal disasters, as hundreds more residents have been forced from their homes because of wildfires. Alert Ready is a Canada-wide system that allows government officials to issue public safety alerts through major television and radio broadcasters, as well as compatible wireless devices. Pader Brach, executive director of regional operations with Emergency Management BC, said the system is being looked at for a variety of hazards, although he could not say if it would be in place for this wildfire season. “We know that minutes count and we’re certainly committed to making the Alert Ready system a priority,” Brach told a news conference. The system is already in use for tsunami threats and Amber Alerts, however it was not used during the “heat dome” in June…

B.C. has declared a provincial state of emergency due to wildfires. WorkSafeBC encourages workers and employers to take steps to ensure they are able to continue accessing our services, and stay healthy and safe during this time. …Employers have obligations related to emergency response planning, as well as ways to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke for indoor and outdoor workers. WorkSafeBC has several key health and safety resources related to wildfires. To access this information, see: Backgrounder: Wildfires: Keeping Workers Safe and Wildfire Smoke: Frequently Asked Questions

FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta — Firefighters that fought the 2016 Horse River wildfire have persistent lung damage and more than double the risk of developing asthma compared to the general population, according to a study from the University of Alberta. Nicola Cherry, an occupational epidemiologist at the university, said one-in-seven firefighters who fought the wildfire have long-term effects on their lungs. …Firefighters participating in the study also showed changes in lung function tests, including greater lung hyper-reactivity and thickening of the bronchial wall. Cherry said this suggests the lungs were inflamed during the fire. …The study was modelled on ones that examined the respiratory health of first responders at the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks. Firefighters at the World Trade Center were exposed mainly to inorganic dust, while firefighters in Fort McMurray breathed in burning vegetation and buildings. But Cherry said the results were similar.

A haze and accompanying smell of smoke drifted over the Edmonton sky early Thursday morning from the wildfires in British Columbia, which reduced the air quality. Edmonton’s air quality health index peaked at eight, which is considered a high health risk, and is projected to lessen to six, a moderate risk, by Friday morning. The City of Edmonton shut down its outdoor pools and the Green Shack program Thursday afternoon due to the poor air quality and outdoor camps were moved indoors. They will remain closed until air quality improves. Environment Canada urged residents to take extra precautions and reduce exposure to wildfire smoke, which can cause harm. People with heart and lung conditions are most affected by air pollution and residents are urged to reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities.

Dylan Bullock

VANCOUVER — A firefighter on the frontlines of battling one of the largest wildfires in B.C. has suffered serious burns and injuries. An online fundraising campaign has been launched for Dylan Bullock, who’s had 10 years of experience as a wildlfire fighter, according to the page. “Dylan suffered burns to his chest, neck, arm and face during a fire accident,” the GoFundMe page said. “Dylan’s journey to recovery will be a long one and will rely on a lot of support from all aspects of his day to day life.” The GoFundMe said he is in the intensive care unit of a Vancouver hospital and will eventually be moved to the burn unit for rehabilitation. The Sparks Lake fire has scorched more than 40,260 hectares of land near Kamloops…. The president of the BC General Employees’ Union, which represents wildland fighters, said Bullock was doing a control burn when the incident happened.

Nanaimo, BC – The latest resource road video released this week showcases the correct use of radio calling procedures on resource and forest service roads. As the summer progresses, resource roads are busier than ever with industry and recreational users driving on these roads all across BC. Incidents continue to occur causing great concern for many forestry, oil and gas, government and other users. This 7.5-minute Radio Use and Road Calling Procedures video provides a step-by-step overview of the correct use of radio procedures and details communications protocols between vehicles on resource and forest service roads to support safe passage. This video is the second in the series of Resource Road Safety videos targeted at a broad audience of viewers from industry to the general public. The narrative transitions between professional log truck drivers providing insight on how to drive these roads, to forestry company representatives providing coaching on safe calling procedures and the narrator giving step-by-step instructions to aid road users in understanding the protocols required to reach their destination safely.

OTTAWA – The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra announced that Transport Canada is issuing a Ministerial Order in the interest of safe railway operations, and to protect public safety for the temporary return of residents to inspect their homes in Lytton, British Columbia. The Ministerial Order, which takes effects at 12:01 AM PDT on July 9, 2021, for a period of 48 hours unless revoked earlier in writing, requires: Canadian National Railway to cease movement of trains except for emergency fire response, and maintenance and repair work on its Ashcroft subdivision between Kamloops and Boston Bar, British Columbia; and Canadian Pacific Railway to cease movement of trains for emergency fire response, and maintenance and repair work on its Thompson Subdivision between Kamloops and Boston Bar, British Columbia.

British Columbians who have been evacuated from their communities due to ongoing wildfires are urged to register with Emergency Support Services, whether or not you need support, so loved ones and communities know where you are and that you are safe. Evacuees can register for Emergency Support Services online or by phone: Use the Province’s Evacuee Registration and Assistance online tool: https://ess.gov.bc.ca/. Those unable to access online registration can call the Emergency Support Services registration toll-free phone line: 1 800 585-9559 …For information on evacuation orders and alerts, as well as a list of reception centres, visit Emergency Info BC: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/wildfires-2021/

Wildfires around B.C. are causing poor air quality in many areas of the province and are expected to worsen. The wildfire risk around the province is a concern and there are a number of evacuation orders and alerts in place. British Columbians are urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant to help prevent human-caused wildfires. The best way to protect yourself from the effects of wildfire smoke is to reduce your exposure by sheltering in place. There is growing evidence that exposure to seasonal wildfire smoke may have longer-lasting impacts on people’s health. Smoky air can make it harder for your lungs to get oxygen to your blood. Fine particulate matter carries the greatest risk to people’s health because it can be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause inflammation and irritation. Smoke can also irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. 

Air quality alerts remain in place for several areas in B.C.’s southern Interior on Tuesday as more than 200 wildfires continue to burn in the province. Environment Canada said parts of the Okanagan Valley and Thompson-Nicola region will be most affected by smoky conditions, with a haze expected to hang over the regions for the next few days. Smoke from the Cutoff Creek and Chilako fires, west of Prince George, will have a particular effect on central B.C. over the next 24 hours. “Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath,” the agency said. Children, seniors and those with heart or lung problems are especially vulnerable. The air quality health index rating was worst in Kamloops, B.C., as of early afternoon, reading nine on a scale out of 10.

British Columbia’s public safety minister admitted his government’s wildfire response this week revealed “gaps in protocols” after facing criticism from First Nations leaders. Mike Farnworth’s comments came a day after the tribal council chair for the worst-hit area of the province lambasted the province’s lack of early communication as “sickening” while homes and other buildings on the Lytton First Nation were destroyed by fire. “While there were challenging factors, early communication with the Nlaka’pamux Nation Tribal Council and the Oregon Jack Creek Band didn’t live up to expectations,” Farnworth said in a statement Sunday. “I have made my expectations clear to the ministry and I have been assured that immediate steps have been taken to address gaps in protocols that contributed to this situation.”

VANCOUVER — At the start of last week, a large area of British Columbia was under heat warnings. This week, it’s smoke. Environment Canada has issued special air quality statements for 20 parts of the province, all due to wildfire smoke. An interactive map from the government shows much of B.C. is burning. As of Monday morning there were 196 active fires across B.C., the majority of which are lightning-caused. About one-third are considered out of control. …Essentially, the clouds are creating their own weather, the Environment Canada expert said. It’s a trend also seen as Fort McMurray burned in 2016, in B.C. during the wildfire season of 2017, and in Australia when wildfires tore through much of the country last year. …Air quality statements issued Sunday and renewed Monday morning suggest wildfire smoke will be noticeable over the next 24 to 48 hours.

B.C. is struggling with insufferable heat, but that could just be the beginning of the province’s climate-crisis related woes this summer. Record-breaking temperatures have caused illness and sudden death, rapid snowmelt and floods, and pushed the wildfire risk to “high” or “extreme” in most regions. …If the fire situation becomes worse, it means B.C. could be in for the kind of smoke that choked the province in the summers of 2017 and 2018. During that time, air quality warnings were issued because of the potential for adverse health effects, and the province issued a state of emergency two years in a row. It’s hard to imagine having to deal with thick smoke on top of the unprecedented heat. However, experts are urging residents to be prepared for a difficult wildfire season. “We are primed for a smoky summer at the moment,” said Lori Daniels, a professor in Faculty of Forestry at UBC.