Operating logging equipment on steep slopes increases the likelihood of reduced machine stability which can result in an upset or roll-over. These events can result in serious worker injuries or fatalities, significant environmental damage and/or expensive lost production and machine repairs.

Productive, injury-free steep slope mechanical harvesting operations require an integrated approach that draws on the skills of all forestry team members - owners, operational planners and lay out crews, contractors, assessors, supervisors and operators. This package was produced by a technical advisory group consisting of engineers, safety professionals, manufacturers, industry associations, forest professionals, logging managers, contractors, supervisors and operators from across BC.

Steep Slope Resource Package

Materials updated July 26, 2011

Part 1 – The Steep Slope Hazard Assessment Tool includes a 2-page form used to evaluate site-specific hazards, and to develop a steep slope plan that prescribes controls to mitigate those risks. Part 1 provides instructions for identifying site characteristics, assessing the associated hazards and completing the form to communicate key information. It also lists site- and machine-specific practices that can be implemented to mitigate machine stability risks.

Part 2 – Steep Slope Planning & Operational Responsibilities describes planning and administrative responsibilities to be completed by each of the three primary constituents of typical BC forest harvesting operations - owners, employers, and employees.

Part 3 – General and Machine-Specific Best Practices includes procedures and practices that employers would incorporate into their existing management system. General practices are intended as standard operating procedures for all phases of mechanical steep slope operations; machine-specific procedures are targeted to identified equipment.

Part 4 – Support Documents includes 3 support forms and emergency response procedures that can be used in planning and tracking steep slope operations.

Click here to download the Steep Slope Resource Package (all Parts 1 to 4) 
(the PDF file is approximately 1.5 Meg).

Steep Slope Hazard Assessment Tool

Excerpted Part 1 of the Resource Package.

Click here to download the Steep Slope Hazard Assessment Tool
(the PDF file is approximately 0.5 Meg).

Steep Slope Hazard Assessment Tool and Map Example

This package contains a completed Steep Slope Hazard Assessment form plus the associated 1:5,000 map. In this case, the harvest block had two different sites that each required unique operational controls. As a result, this example includes two completed assessments. In other blocks, where site characteristics are the same such that one set of operational controls will address identified hazards, the associated plan will include only one completed Steep Slope Hazard Assessment form.

Click here to download the Steep Slope Hazard Assessment Tool and Map Example
( the PDF file is approximately 1.0 Meg).