As the investigation into the fatal boom-boat sinking continues, the BC Forest Safety Counsel is urging that all manufacturing companies review their safety procedures.
“This is the first manufacturing fatality of 2017,” reads a notice sent out this week.
” Please review the information below with the objective of preventing similar incidents at your operations.”
Although the details of this incident are still unknown, they ask companies to review the following safety information:
Emergency Response – Consider all the types of emergencies that may occur in your operations.
Conduct realistic drills to prepare all supervisors and workers to respond to those emergencies. For example: a boat taking on water, evacuation of a worker from an equipment rollover, and access roads blocked by landslides or avalanches.
Regularly inspect all equipment, including personal protective equipment to make sure it is working properly.
Floatation devices, pumps, and high visibility clothing all need to be inspected and replaced if necessary.
Pre-shift inspections of mobile equipment are required. Complete a thorough inspection and repair deficiencies before starting the job.
Take a look at your worksite with fresh eyes. Think critically about the operation, identify what potential incidents could occur and come up with an action plan to control those hazards.
The RCMP, Coroners Service, Transportation Safety Board and WorkSafeBC are investigating this incident.
