News Health & Safety
West Fraser donates N95 masks to BC and Alberta health authorities

West Fraser’s mills have donated 1,000 N95 masks to British Columbia’s Northern Health Authority and Alberta Health Services for use by front-line health-care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a company blog post, the health-care authorities will distribute the masks to the areas where the need is most critical.

“Right now, we all need to do what we can. We hope these additional masks make a difference to those that need them to protect lives,” says Keith Carter, vice-president of pulp and energy operations.

“We have a responsibility to do everything we can to help meet our communities’ most vital health care needs. We all rely on healthcare workers and first responders, and we are proud to do what we can to help keep them safe.”

N95 masks are used in some of West Fraser’s facilities to meet operational health and safety requirements.

Mills have reviewed their requirements and facilities in Williams Lake, Slave Lake and Quesnel have donated N95 mask supplies that can be made available.

West Fraser’s mills in the U.S. South have also been making donations of N95 masks, safety glasses and nitrile gloves to medical facilities, including the Newberry Hospital and the East Alabama Medical Centre.