Prince George, BC – While the RCMP and BC Coroner’s Service continue to investigate, the BC Forest Safety Council has issued an industry alert, after a forestry worker was killed on a resource road in the Smithers area earlier this month.

On Saturday, April 6th, 61-year-old William Edward Gush of Telkwa was killed as he stood beside his parked pick-up truck on Babine Lake Road.  His truck was hit by a second pick-up traveling in the same direction.  (click here, for previous story)

The BCFSC says the two trucks had been traveling together for work purposes.  The Council says this is the second direct harvesting fatality of 2015 – both have been motor vehicle incidents.

Both the police and coroner’s investigations are ongoing and the Forest Safety Council cautions the specific details are still unknown, it is asking industry to review the following driving safety information with workers:

1. Clear communications are essential for safe travel along resource roads – if you don’t know the rules of the road or radio use protocols for your area, check with an experienced road user, local forest company, or Ministry of Forests office
2. when traveling in groups, use your radio to communicate with the rest of the convoy, if you need to pull over and stop, let the other vehicles know
3. poor visibility due to dust, fog or bright sunlight can reduce the ability to spot and react to hazards – slow down to give more reaction time
4. when working on foot alongside resource roads, make sure you can be easily seen – alert others through radio communications, signs, high visibility clothing, and the use of four-way flashers
5. never operate a vehicle when impaired

The BC Forest Safety Council is extending its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased worker.