Revised Forest Professional Booklet Now Available

One of the Nova Scotia government's most popular publications -- The Forest Professional -- has been revised and is now available to all interested parties.

Subtitled Guidelines for the Stewards of Tomorrow's Forests, the publication was an instant hit with forestry workers when it was first issued by the Department of Labour in 1994. It was adapted from material prepared by the Safety and Training Committee, Nova Scotia Forest Products Association.

"Forestry professionals appreciate the practical techniques and procedures for good operations contained in the guide," said Labour Minister Russell MacKinnon. "They consider it an important tool of their trade."

Under the umbrella of the Conference of Atlantic Premiers, the other three Atlantic provinces expressed interest in distributing the publication in their jurisdictions. As a result, the revised edition addresses Occupational Health and Safety legislation in the four provinces and will be available throughout the region.

Although seasoned professionals also find the booklet helpful, it is especially useful to newcomers to the industry, including students.

"The Department of Labour promotes safe and healthy workplaces and work practices," said the minister. "In a province this abundant in natural resources, our forests are indeed workplaces. We have adopted the contents of this manual as a code of practice for the forest industry in Nova Scotia."

Copies of the guide are available by calling the Department of Labour, Occupational Health and Safety Division, at 902-424-5400 or toll-free at 1-800-9LABOUR.