Inspire Series: Inside High-Risk Forestry with Ben Woroniuk from Integrated Operations Group on Powerlines and Helicopter Logging

It's this combination of technical skill, trust and genuine enjoyment of the work that defines Ben's approach and why his story resonates far beyond the forest.

Ben did not enter forestry with a long-term plan. He started out doing ground work, feeding a chipper and running a saw. Tree climbing was something he discovered through being on site rather than something he had always aimed for. At first, it was intimidating. He admits he was terrified of it but also hooked by it.

Progression came through repetition and learning from others. Watching how more experienced people worked. Asking questions. Gradually taking on more responsibility.

Ben also speaks about the importance of formal training. He highlights the Certified Utility Arborist programme in BC as a strong foundation, describing it as a full apprenticeship that teaches not only technical skills but how to supervise and manage risk. He also talks openly about how difficult it can be to obtain a falling ticket and why that difficulty makes it such a respected qualification.

For anyone considering a career in forestry, Ben's experience shows there is no single route in. Curiosity, commitment and a willingness to learn matter more than having everything planned from the outset.

Ben does not work in one lane. One week he may be climbing. The next he is felling. Other days he is supervising crews on transmission lines or supporting wildfire operations. That variety is intentional and central to how Integrated Operations Group works.

In a single stem heli logging block, multiple disciplines operate at once. Climbers topping trees. Helicopters lifting stems. Ground crews moving through steep terrain below.

Ben talks about how working in the forest sharpens awareness. Sound matters. Movement matters. Rotor wash from a helicopter can shift an entire stand. Over time, knowing how to move and position yourself becomes instinctive.

When Ben talks about safety, he doesn't focus on dramatic moments. He talks about habits.

Conditions in the forest change constantly. Trees change. Ground changes. Weather changes. Staying focused is part of doing the job properly.

Before climbing any tree, Ben explains that climbers bore the stem to check the integrity of the wood.

Ben also shares that during his time with Integrated Operations Group, he has not seen a serious injury. No medevacs. No carrying someone out of the woods. Minor cuts and knocks happen, but strong systems, clear communication and disciplined decision making keep work controlled and professional.

Forestry is physically demanding work, especially over longer shifts in steep terrain.

Proper preparation is essential, especially in heat, where hydration and pacing make all the difference.

He describes his first experience of single stem work as a "full system shock" and admits he did not fully grasp how demanding it would be. Over time, he explains, the body adapts.

Ben also jokes that he often feels more injury prone when he is off shift. Coming home, sitting down and relaxing can feel harder than being out working.

Working remotely with the same small crew for weeks builds strong relationships.

That trust matters, particularly in complex environments. Ben explains that supervisors need to stay aware of how people are doing mentally as well as physically.

Ben explains single stem heli logging in clear, practical terms.

Engineers identify and mark suitable trees. Climbers move through the block topping stems and recording data. Trees are ribboned by weight so the correct helicopter can be assigned.

Ground crews then jig the trees at the base so they remain standing, ready to be lifted.

Helicopters then work through the block with constant communication between air and ground crews.

When everything is planned well and everyone is aligned, Ben describes it as impressive to watch.

When asked about the biggest tree he has climbed, Ben answers simply.

It was a single tree leaning over a power line, with a long rope hanging from his harness. Ben doesn't frame it as a scare story, but as a moment that demanded patience, preparation and complete focus.

When Ben talks about clothing and PPE, it's practical and experience led.

On the West Coast, weather can change quickly. Ben explains that a rain jacket is essential and that as part of his audits he checks everyone has one, no matter the forecast. Storms can roll in. Helicopters can be grounded. Being prepared matters.

He also explains why breathability is important, describing climbing as "jogging basically".

Long before becoming an Arbortec Ambassador, Ben explains that most of the crews he worked with were already wearing Arbortec.

For Ben, trusted kit simply removes distraction. It is one less thing to think about when attention is needed elsewhere.

As Ben puts it, complacency is the biggest risk.

Ben describes forestry as the greatest job in the world not because it's easy, but because it keeps him engaged, learning and working alongside people he trusts.

For those considering a career in forestry, Ben's story shows what is possible when you commit to learning the craft, respect the environment and hold yourself and others to a high standard.