Safety
 
Summit considers safety first when conducting any operation. It is ingrained in our approach and execution. Our goal is to have zero injuries.

Training and monitoring are the tools we use in striving for our health and safety goals.

Our health and safety program is certified through the 'Partners in Injury Reduction' program, an external auditing organization that assess the effectiveness of safety systems. Partners in Injury Reduction is recognized by the Alberta Workers Compensation Board (WCB).

Ergonomic Injury Prevention Program
Ergonomic injury is the number one WCB claimed injury in the tree planting industry. Summit has designed an Ergonomic Injury Prevention Program focussed on significantly reducing this type of injury in our operations.

It begins in the pre-season with online training which all of our planters are required to complete. This online training includes providing information on

• Nutrition;
• Exercise;
• Stretching; and,
• Equipment.

A sign-off feature informs Summit management that this training has been completed.The program continues throughout the season with

• Site inspections that asses blocks for ergonomic injury risk;
• On site training in the proper use of equipment;
• Dedicated ergonomic injury prevention kits; and,
• Communicating awareness at safety meetings throughout the season.

Training
Prior to each season, Summit management spends a week conducting in-house training. This training covers company specific procedures and policies.

Summit management personnel are trained and certified in the following:

• Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
• Workplace Hazardous Material Information Systems (WHMIS)
• Danger/Wildlife Tree Assessment
• Occupational First Aid Level III (OFA III)
• Forest Fire Fighting (S100)
• Class 4 Drivers License

All of our planters are given extensive training at the beginning of the season and refreshers throughout.

Summit policies often exceed but always meet government regulations and client requirements.

Worksite Safety
Safety is a priority and the guiding principle behind all Summit worksite operations:

• Vehicles are inspected and maintained regularly.
• Emergency procedures are posted for every block in every vehicle.
• Communication to ambulance services and external safety organizations is tested on every block, using either radio communication or satellite phones.
• Employees are trained and practiced in block and camp evacuation procedures: Drills and audits are preformed regularly.
• Each crew has a minimum of two certified first aid attendants