Ombudsperson

The BC Forest Safety Ombudsperson is part of the BC Forest Safety Council and is mandated to investigate safety concerns and provide recommendations for improvement.

The Office of the Forest Safety Ombudsperson provides a safe, confidential environment for the discussion of issues and facilitates an impartial and timely resolution of concerns.

Learn more about the office of the BC Forest Safety Ombudsperson.

About Roger Harris

Roger Harris is BC's first Forest Safety Ombudsperson. He has experience in many areas of forestry including work as a dishwasher in a logging camp, a board member for an IWA Local and an owner/operator of a phase logging contract business.

Roger knows first-hand the importance of safety and the impact injuries and fatalities  have on workers and their families.

While working as a falling contractor in 1986, his right hand was nearly severed when his chainsaw kicked back and he lost his brother-in-law who was killed in a forestry accident at age 18.

"I have a passion for the woods becoming a safe place because I've been there. I've lived the worst side of it, but I think it's still the greatest occupation in the world. I want the Ombudsperson's office to be a vehicle that deals with issues before we have incidents."

 
Contact:
Telephone (toll free): 1-877-577-7766
Fax: 1-250-741-1068
Mailing Address: 8C-2220 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9S 1H9
Email: harris@bcforestsafe.org

The Forest Safety Ombudsperson’s Office will endeavour to return all contacts within five (5) working days.