Forestry: British Columbian forest industry acts to stem death toll

The forestry industry in British Columbia, Canada, is setting up a program to try to stem the rising death toll in the industry.

Canfor Corp. CEO Jim Shepherd, chairman of the B.C. Forest Safety Council, said that: "Too many people have died and we must and will change this".

Canadian Press reports that, "the 10-member group say they will see that large and small companies have all the required safety programs. A system of verifying and auditing those programs will ensure only certified contractors work for their operations".

The group also passed a resolution recommending quicker investigations, increased safety monitoring and a day of mourning every time an industry worker dies.