A while back there was a topic on paid groomers. I posted on this topic with some of my thoughts and observations on this subject. I also alluded to the intervention and requirement of the rules and laws pertaining to the Canada Occupational Health & Safety as it could relate to snowmobiling. Appended below is a copy of that post.

Tragically during the month of February, a groomer operator for the Parry Sound snowmobile club of Ontario, lost his life while performing his groomer duties out on the trail.

The former president of the snowmobile club was charged. The following link is what eventually ensued and the final decision of the courts. http://www.parrysound.com/press/1213129736/

The Canada Occupational Health & Safety requirements apply to paid workers as well as volunteers. The basic difference between the two is that one is paid and one is not.


PREVIOUS POST -
"This is a very interesting subject and perhaps it could be a potential reality in a few more years. I find the reaction of the posters most interesting.

For example, some have suggested that they would be willing to pay more for a snow pass and others have suggested that they would like to see groomer operators being paid. Both actions mean an outlay of MORE money.

So, how much would you be willing to pay over and above your present price of a pass in Manitoba as it is now being operated and regulated by Snowman? How much do you think that groomer operators should be paid to groom within the context of how the system now operates?

At one time in North West Ontario groomer operators used to be paid, somewhere around 20 dollars an hour. Would that be too much?

Now, here's a little bit more to think about. Will this give birth to "grooming" or snowmobile trail servicing companies? In other words, the club riders, etc. would not be involved. The majority of the work now being performed by volunteers would cease to exist. A contracted company would perform the grooming chores. How about brush clearing? Could that also be included as a "regulated" part of a snowmobile trail system requirement? Hmmmmm, better start thinking about that part of it too!

This is a good time to start discussing this subject because change is in the winds. Canada Health and Safety Rules are coming to the snowmobiling industry near you. This will bring about some drastic changes in the way we operate the snowmobiling industry with regards to clubs, trails and daily operations as to how they relate to employees and volunteers in the performance of their duties. This will undoubtedly bring about some drastic changes in the fees structure and how those monies will be collected and distributed. And who will do the setting of the pass price?

For those of you who work in industries and operate companies where Canada Health & Safety Rules are applicable, then you know what I'm talking about. WHIMIS training and certification, St. John's First Aid training and certification, equipment training and certification (everything from groomers to chain saws), health and safety committee meetings.

If you think that you are being regulated now, .........oh boy, are you in for a shock."

Regulation is the natural evolution when we decide that the status quo is good enough. The trails and trail systems have evolved to where they are today because we wanted them to. People got ideas of what they could be and made them what they are today. Unfortunately, the systems supporting them have not kept pace.

In the end, it gets regulated.

Don't the manufacturers participate in working with the "grass roots" organizations/clubs or Snoman? Or, do they assume that everything will just fine. It might be beneficial to them, and their Snowmobiling customers and dealers, to become visible to the government of the day in support of the local clubs/organizations.

"WHIMIS training and certification, St. John's First Aid training and certification, equipment training and certification (everything from groomers to chain saws), health and safety committee meetings." - As for these, it might be time that organizations start putting these together prior to legislation. Start with the Health & Safety committee because if you can't get this going, you won't get the rest going.


Maybe the topic of integrating Snopass with registration will help - I'm not sensing that the manufacturers are.

What Toban has posted is scary, because it's entirley possible. If people a bitchin' , and threatening to quit riding over $85.00 for a pass think of the cost when this sort of program starts to creep into snowmobiling.

New helmet sales will double with the required Safety sheilds, and improved sound dampening to lower the compensation costs. Consider the cost of steel toe/shank snowmobile boots, and possibly even fall protection for the less experienced riders. (I'm joking a little here.....really)

I do think change will come, and change usually brings expense to the user.

Chainsaw training,whmis, safety equipment,hrs of operation etc

I was in Parry Sound the day before this tragedy