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Safety Program

SAFE certified through the BC Forest Safety Council with an external audit every year. Safety is built into every operation, every day.

Our Commitment to Safety

Torrent considers safety to be the most important aspect when conducting any operation, no matter the size. Our goal is to be proactive in preventing injuries and to learn from injuries that occur. We achieve this through ongoing training for all employees, beginning pre-season and continuing throughout the year.

SAFE Certified – BC Forest Safety Council
SAFE Certified — BC Forest Safety Council External audit conducted annually. Torrent's Health and Safety program is certified through the BCFSC. An external audit is conducted every year to maintain this status.

Off-Season Preparation

During the off-season, Torrent management meets once per month beginning in the new year. These meetings cover review of the past season's events, planning for the upcoming season, and refreshers on safety topics. Torrent also supports management in taking additional training through local colleges, universities, or online through WorkSafe BC and the BCFSC.

Pre-Season Training

Immediately before each planting season, Torrent conducts comprehensive in-house training covering all aspects required to perform job duties safely and efficiently. Topics include:

  • OFA Level 3 first aid training for all crew bosses
  • Supervising for Safety Training program (WorkSafe BC)
  • ATV Operator training
  • Resource Road Driver Training
  • Bullying and Sexual Harassment Training (mandatory for all employees)
  • Bear Aware and Wildlife Safety
  • WHMIS
  • Danger Tree & Wildlife Tree Identification
  • Heat Stress & Hypothermia

Torrent has been working with the Northern Society for Domestic Peace (NSDP) since 2020. Each year they host a mandatory presentation on bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment for all employees.

In-Season Safety Program

Throughout the season, Torrent maintains a rigorous ongoing safety program:

  • Daily employee observations completed by supervisors
  • Safety meetings conducted on every new site or once per shift
  • JOHSC meetings once per month or once per contract (whichever comes first)
  • JOHSC meetings attended by the supervisor, JOHSC chair, and planter representatives (1 per 6-pack, 2 per 12-pack)
  • Worksite assessments completed by trained management on all blocks
  • Certified Danger Tree Assessments before any crew enters a block
  • Site-specific hazard identification and access documentation

Emergency Preparedness & Communication

Every block requires a Level 3 first aider on site. Beyond that, Torrent provides each crew with a layered communication system designed for remote operations:

  • Handheld VHF radio on every crew
  • Truck-mounted VHF radio on every vehicle
  • ZOLEO satellite devices — enabling text messaging via satellite from any location
  • Direct line to TEAAMS (Technical Evacuation Advanced Aero Medical Society) helicopter evacuation service

Camp Standards

Our camps are designed to support proper hygiene, nutrition, and overall well-being. Each location is equipped with the necessary facilities and safety equipment to provide a clean, safe, and enjoyable environment for everyone during their stay. A structured investigation process is followed for any injuries, incidents, or near misses to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.