Licensees are owners of their worksite and contractors are independent employers consequently safety concerns identified by these clients will be addressed directly by them under their programs. Due to the interface and interrelationships of some activities under BCTS it is possible for licensees or contractors to identify safety concerns which are, or believed by the reporting firm to be the responsibility of BCTS. It is important to have a protocol in place to address or mitigate these issues as they become apparent in the interest of improving the overall safety circumstance for all workers current and future.

It is recommended that clients wishing to make such a report use the 15-1: Hazard, Unsafe Act or Condition Report Form and forward same to the applicable Timber Sales Manager (TSM). Upon receipt of any such report the TSM will immediately assign the necessary resources to review the concern and implement necessary action. To expedite the process reports can be submitted to TSM staff in the field or phoned in at the discretion of the reporting party. If phoned in the reporting party should request a copy of the Form 15-1 completed by BCTS staff for their records and review same for accuracy. In all cases the reporting party should provide an indication of the priority associated with the report. The party submitting the report will be advised as to the applicable actions determined by the Timber Sales Manager in a timely manner.

BCTS contractors will in most instances function as independent employers and undertake their own Safety programs. In the interest of enhanced communication specific contract provisions will be included in future contracts which will oblige the contractor to engage in Safety discussions with BCTS staff and to report serious incidents to BCTS that occur on BCTS projects. In regard to contracts which do not include these provisions BCTS requests voluntary reporting and engagement in the interest of improved safety. Serious incidents are defined as being those which require reports under Part 3 Division 10 Section 172 of Workers Compensation Act. The purpose of this reporting is to support BCTS reflection on project planning in order to improve the future safety circumstance. Personal information about effected parties should not be included in reports to BCTS. Reporting and dialogue provisions will apply to contracts only and not Timber Sale Licences or other tenures as these tenure holders are seen as owners of the operation.