Forestry Contractor Checklist: Reminders to Help you Manage your Business

Here’s a quick 11-point checklist to help forestry contractors manage their business. Please add other points to this list if you have other priorities:

1. Regulatory Compliance:
   • Ensure compliance with federal and provincial forestry regulations, including permits, environmental standards, and safety requirements.
   • Stay informed about any changes in regulations that may affect your operations.
2. Insurance Coverage:
   • Review and update your insurance policies regularly to ensure coverage for equipment, liability, and workers’ compensation.
   • Confirm that insurance policies comply with industry standards and legal requirements. CWF also offers health coverage for you and your employees, at preferential rates. Read more
3. Safety Protocols:
   • Develop and enforce comprehensive safety protocols for all forestry operations. CWF shares safety alerts regularly to help you stay safe.
   • Conduct regular safety training for your team and ensure they have access to appropriate safety gear.
   • There are a few provincial organizations that offer tailored safety training for the forestry sector:
     1. New Brunswick Forest Safety Association
     2. Nova Scotia Forest Safety Association
     3. Newfoundland Forest Safety Association

4. Equipment Maintenance:
   • Implement a proactive maintenance schedule for all equipment to minimize downtime.
   • Keep detailed records of equipment maintenance and repairs to extend their lifespan.
5. Budgeting and Financial Management:
   • Create a detailed budget that includes operational costs, equipment expenses, and overhead.
   • Monitor financial performance regularly and adjust budgets as needed.
6. Contract Management:
   • Clearly outline terms and conditions in contracts with clients, including project scope, timelines, and payment terms.
   • Regularly review and update contracts to reflect any changes in project requirements.
7. Employee Management:
   • Hire and train skilled personnel to ensure the efficiency and safety of operations.
   • Review your communication channels and find new ways to stay connected with your staff to encourage a positive workplace culture.
8. Environmental Stewardship:
   • Implement sustainable forestry practices to minimize environmental impact. Canada is a leader in sustainable forestry practices.Let’s keep it up!
   • Stay informed about and adhere to sustainable forestry certifications that may enhance your business reputation.
9. Community Relations:
   • Foster positive relationships with local communities, indigenous groups, and other stakeholders.
   • Communicate openly about your operations and address community concerns promptly.
10. Technology Integration:
    • Explore and adopt technology solutions to improve efficiency and data management.
    • Consider using GPS tracking, remote sensing, and other tools to enhance forestry operations. Investing in new technology can help you be more efficient and increase your productivity which translates to more profit.
11. Networking and Industry Involvement:
    • Stay connected with industry associations, attend conferences, and participate in relevant forums.
    • Networking can provide valuable insights, business opportunities, and keep you informed about industry trends. Enter in your agenda all events that are relevant for your business growth and to build powerful relationships.