Working in the forest industry can be tough.  The job is often physically demanding.  The weather can be unforgiving.  Production pressures and tough times in the industry can raise stress levels for everyone.

Add to that the fact that there is often a "tough guy" culture on the job, where workers can worry about looking weak by admiting problems or stress - so they just keep quiet.

In 2008 the BC Forest Safety Council is starting a wellness program, looking at fatigue, stress, lifestyle and substance issues. We’ve started by raising personal awareness and providing the opportunity for education by visiting logger conferences and meetings with free health checks and drink-driving simulations.

Our work will continue, with a focus on stress, fatigue, substance use and abuse and other health and wellness factors that affect everyone - whether they're falling trees, driving a truck or staying up past midnight to get the paperwork done.