Feeling frustrated and helpless in the face of the chaos surrounding tariffs and politics in general these days? Well, there’s a valid reason for that, and you’re not alone. …Recent studies have found that exposure to political stress is linked with poorer physical and emotional health, and that most therapists report that their patients discuss politics in their sessions. …while political anxiety isn’t new, it’s arguably been more intense lately given Trump’s “shock and awe” strategy since taking office. …”Our cognitive and emotional systems are not prepared for the constant inflow of information, which means at any given moment we can know every terrible and complex thing happening in the world,” explained Amanda Friesen, an associate professor of political science at Western University.
Join us for the Interior Safety Conference (ISC) on Thursday, May 1, 2025! This annual event is a must-attend for BC forestry professionals, offering a unique opportunity to delve into safety-related issues and learn ways to enhance safety across the industry. This Year’s Theme: Building Safety Through Shared Experiences. Gain powerful insights and practical knowledge through a series of compelling presentations by industry experts and speakers. The conference is FREE for anyone working in any phase of the forest industry, from silviculture to harvesting to wood products manufacturing.
Don’t miss the March edition of the BC Forest Safety Council newsletter. It’s jam-packed with information about Safety Heros like Shawn Flynn and Brian Penny. Health updates about pain management, off-road vehicles, managing the last of the snow and daylight savings! How do you stay safe when you find yourself under water? Does your team have an emergency response plan? Plus, what’s new, upcoming events, and even a cheerful rabbit for you to colour in your down moments! Check out this month’s BC Forest Safety News
The Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Appeal Body has denied an appeal from a West Fraser Mills worker who was suspended for one day without pay and received a disciplinary letter that he claimed was retaliation for acting in compliance with workplace safety rules. The appeal panel upheld the original ruling, noting that it properly applied the standard of review in determining the employer had met its burden of proof. The case involved S.G., an employee of West Fraser Mills Ltd., operating as Ranger Board. S.G. filed a complaint under section 19 of Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (the Act), alleging the discipline was imposed in retaliation for acting in compliance with occupational health and safety requirements.
A Washington timber company has been fined nearly $115,000 for child labor violations after a 17-year-old worker was injured while working in a logging operation. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries issued the citation against MVR Timber Cutting Inc. following an investigation into the incident. The investigation began in May 2024 when L&I received a report of a workplace injury involving the teen, who fractured his foot while jumping between tree stumps. Upon learning that the minor was working as a member of the company’s logging crew, L&I expanded its investigation. …In January, L&I fined MVR Timber Cutting Inc. $56,000 for allowing the minor to work in logging operations 56 times. State regulations prohibit minors under 18 from working in jobs requiring more extensive personal protective equipment than boots, gloves, and safety glasses. Additionally, state law bans teens from working in hard hat zones, prompting L&I to issue an additional $56,000 fine for the 56 violations of that regulation.