B.C.’s forest product manufacturers (FPM) now have access to the SAFE Companies program, following an October decision by the Council’s Executive Committee.

The new policy is in line with WorkSafeBC’s “natural alignment” concept, which allows certification of employers that have no health and safety association, but operate in related sectors. 

FPM employers will pay regular fees and use the existing large employer audit protocols to earn SAFE certification.

Companies completing audits by the end of December could be eligible for partial rebates next year on WorkSafeBC assessments paid for during 2009.

Details are at: www.bcforestsafe.org. 

Meanwhile, the Council continues consulting with the FPM sector on the idea of becoming its health and safety association, including training and other sector support programs.

Funding for the FPM consultations and the SAFE Companies extension is separate from the Council’s ongoing woodlands safety programs.

For information on how to register as a SAFE Company with up to 19 workers please click here; for companies with 20 or more workers please click here.

For more information please contact Ken Hall at Hall@bcforestsafe.org.