Health & Safety
Coast Range is now "Safe Certified" by WorkSafe BC. We are very proud of this accomplishment and will continue to strive to make Coast Range the safest planting company possible. The tree planting and brushing environment can be a hazardous place to work. At Coast Range Contracting we are committed to providing our workers with up-to-date training and procedures to minimize the risks. Our training and policies are continually updated to meet the changing demands of the industry. We take pride in having one of the most thorough, and successful, Health and Safety Programs in the industry.
Our Pledge to you: Coast Range will meet or exceed all Federal & Provincial Occupational Health and Safety Standards and maintain it's SAFE certification status.
Our Goal: is zero lost time incidents and continual improvement in all our operations.
All Coast Range workers receive training on the following topics:
- The Fit to Plant Program: Dr. Delia Roberts at Selkirk College has developed a comprehensive pre-season conditioning program for planters as well as valuable information on planter nutrition and tips for planting cooks.
- (RADAR) Managing Safety for New or Uncommon Working Conditions
- Walking in the Woods
- Coast Range Ergonomics Awareness Program & Preventing Tree Planting Injuries
- Bear Aware and Wild Animal Safety
- Safe Procedures and Hazard Awareness for our Vehicles, Camp & Worksite
- Forest Fire Reporting and Safety
- Special Equipment Safety (when required, e.g. Helicopter safety)
- Project-specific training as directed by our clients
These topics are not just paid lip-service at the beginning of our projects—they are part of the everyday culture at Coast Range. Our crew bosses regularly conduct field audits on their planters to monitor their safety habits and to identify new hazards. Our weekly Safety Meetings reinforce our training and provide the planters an opportunity to discuss safety issues amongst their peers.
All Coast Range Field Management receive the following training:
- Coast Range Driver Training Program (includes ATVs)
- Coast Range Equipment Training Program
- First Aid & Emergency Evacuation Procedures
- Radio Communication
- Environmental Awareness and Spill Training
- WHMIS & TDG
- Lock-out Tag Procedures
- Project-specific training as directed by our clients
- All Coast Range Operations supply the following safety features:
- Up-to-date Emergency Response Plans
- Block Pre-work Checklists
- Level 3 OFA's at each job site
- Weekly Safety Meetings
- First Aid equipment that meets or exceeds the provincial standards
- BC-certified Danger Tree Assessors
- Certified and properly-maintained vehicles and equipment
- Emergency Communication via VHS Radio / Cell Phone / Satellite Phone (as required)
Check out WorkSafeBC's pamphlet on Preventing Tree Planting Injuries here.