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More work needed to keep loggers safe, B.C. safety group says

Logging truck rollovers down sharply in 2016; tree fallers' deaths up
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The B.C. Forest Safety Council reports headway in one area as it aims to cut deaths and injuries in the forest industry.

CEO Rob Moonen says there have been just three logging truck rollovers this year, compared to 51 in 2013.

But while he appreciates that success, Moonen says it has been difficult to curb injuries related to tree falling.

He says the injury rate among B.C. tree fallers reached 29.6 per cent in 2015, translating to one injury among every three fallers.

He says he is relieved the injuries appear less serious than in the past.

The Forest Safety Council says fatalities in the industry doubled to eight last year from the year before, with five recorded so far this year.

(CHNL)

The Canadian Press