Fall refresher sessions and new wildfire smoke safety content
Forestry is one of the most hazardous industries in Ontario, and proper training is essential to protect workers in high-risk environments. With wildfire smoke and respiratory hazards on the rise, staying current has never been more important.
Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, chainsaw operators and operators of cable skidders and mechanical harvesting equipment are required to receive common core training on the health and safety principles and practices related to the equipment they operate.
Mandatory skills training in Ontario
As part of the Forestry Common Core training program, Workplace Safety North (WSN) offers comprehensive training to meet legislative requirements, including training for Mechanical Harvesting Equipment Operators (MHEO) and Mechanical Harvesting-Forestry Pit and Road Construction Equipment Operators (MHFPRCEO), which cover essential competencies for operating machinery safely. Also available is the Introduction to Professional Chainsaw Operation (IPCO) course, vital for anyone using a chainsaw on the job.
WSN also licenses external trainers to use common core program materials, supporting employers in training and certifying their workers. This fall, WSN is hosting Forestry Common Core Train-the-Trainer (TTT) refresher sessions in October and November. These sessions, taken every three years, help certified instructors stay up to date with current training techniques, health and safety regulations, and emerging workplace hazards.
New safety information on forest fire hazards
This year’s Introduction to Professional Chainsaw Operation TTT Refresher will include a new segment on forest fire smoke, addressing the increasing occupational risks of smoke exposure and necessary fire suppression. With more frequent wildfires, forestry workers are at higher risk of lung damage from fine particulate matter. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic respiratory issues and occupational illness – making it crucial that trainers and workers understand how to protect themselves.
For more information, contact your local WSN Health and Safety Specialist.
Related
Mandatory Skills Training (Forestry Common Core) – WSN
Introduction to Professional Chainsaw Operation: Common Core – WSN