You are visiting the Canada Kee Safety website from United States. Would you like to go to the United States site?
Woodlands comprise 38% of the land mass in Canada, and with more than half of these areas classified as commercial, forestry is a major part of the nation’s economy. Yet, it is also one of the most hazardous industries, particularly for those working at height.
A seminal chronicle by Finder Canada’s Dangerous Jobs Report ranked logging and forestry as the most hazardous industry across Canada, with 2.8% of workers killed or injured on the job in one year.
The latest data from the National Work Injury Statistics Program reports that there were 145 fatalities in the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting Industry in 2023, second only to 194 in Construction.
Across all industries, Falls to a Lower Level accounted for 56 workplace fatalities in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec, the provinces with the heaviest concentration in the lumber sector.
These statistics underscore the critical need for robust fall-protection measures throughout the forestry industry, such as certified anchors, rigid rail systems, stepover platforms, and work access platforms.
From forests to sawmills to processing plants, forestry environments present a unique and dangerous mix of working-at-height challenges:
A leading cause of fatalities, with loggers risking severe injury from dislodged limbs and hanging trees.
Steep, remote work sites with poor visibility and unstable ground amplify the consequences of a slip or fall.
Operating or maintaining dangerous machinery (e.g., skidders, harvesters) from height or navigating unstable log piles.
Unguarded openings, slippery surfaces near machinery, and unprotected edges on mezzanines in mills and processing plants.
Working solo in remote locations complicates rescue and emergency response.
A combination of federal and provincial regulations governs safety compliance in Canada. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) issues key requirements, notably CSA Z259, for personal fall protection equipment (PFPE).
Under the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304), employers must implement fall protection if work occurs at 3 metres (10 feet) or more, or at any height where a fall poses a greater risk of injury (e.g., into machinery or water). Rules also dictate the use of fixed guardrails or covers for openings and the installation of safe access equipment (Justice Laws, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety).
Provinces where forestry is a major industry have specific, detailed (and similar) rules under Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) and building codes (BC).
Alberta
British Columbia
New Brunswick
Ontario
Quebec
Adhering to regulations is the minimum standard. Embracing a culture of safety through these best practices is what truly saves lives and ensures Canadian workers return home unharmed.
Conduct Rigorous Risk Assessments – Before work begins, a competent person must identify all site-specific hazards, including terrain, tree stability, access zones, and equipment layouts.
Follow the Hierarchy of Fall Protection – First, eliminate the need to work at height. If not feasible, use engineering controls to create a safer environment.
Deploy Engineered Fall Protection Systems – Implement proven, compliant solutions, including:
According to Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z259.15, anchorage points are a required component of personal fall protection equipment. Galvanized steel anchors are strong, corrosion-resistant, and meet certification requirements for anchorage strength.
For continuous protection along frequent access paths from above (e.g., sawmill lines), modular rigid rail systems allow employees to work in tight areas while minimizing fall distances. These track-and-trolley assemblies are easy to install and reconfigure.
Featuring anti-slip, non-bounce, self-draining treads, stepover platforms enable workers to navigate over obstacles and obstructions, such as pipes, wires, and conduits. Ideal for indoor or outdoor use, they are available “off the shelf” in various sizes for immediate deployment.
When workers need to reach elevated heights for production and maintenance, work platforms provide safe, ergonomic access to machinery, assembly lines, inventory, vehicles, and other high-risk areas. Work access platforms incorporate anti-slip steps and decks with integrated guardrails for optimal and compliant fall protection. Types of work access platforms include:
Provide Comprehensive Training – Thoroughly train workers in working-at-heights protocols, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), equipment inspection routines, and, crucially, rescue planning.
Given the high-risk nature of forestry work and the tragic loss of life from preventable incidents, prioritizing fall protection is imperative. By integrating rigorous risk assessment, engineered safeguards, continuous training, and strict compliance with federal and provincial regulations, forestry operations across Canada can significantly reduce injuries and fatalities. Adopting these best practices for forestry fall protection ensures that working at height is not only safer but also aligned with the legal and ethical duty to protect every worker.