Drew Lichty

Background

About Drew Lichty

I am an Occupational Hygienist working at Canada Wildfire, which is housed within the University of Alberta. I am based out of Vancouver, BC, and my core responsibility involves collaborating closely with the Research & Innovation Business Area of the British Columbia Wildfire Service (BCWS) to help facilitate health related research and innovation projects. In my role, I develop and deploy exposure assessment campaigns on BCWS firelines, working directly with wildland fire crews in their workplace. My primary focus is exposure to respiratory hazards including wildfire smoke, ash, dust, and engine exhaust, both on the fireline and at nearby fire camps where staff eat, sleep, and recreate. I also conduct work regarding hand-arm vibration, noise exposure, dermal absorption of PAHs, and more. I am currently responsible for drafting and implementing a Respiratory Protection Program at BCWS alongside the implementation of respirators for operational staff. I create and deliver educational materials, exposure control plans, and safe work procedures. This summer I will be out in the field sampling for CO, respirable PM, and silica as one part of a broader health study regarding cardiorespiratory health outcomes in wildland firefighters. Wildland firefighting is a highly variable, dynamic, and challenging workplace to apply core hygiene principles to, but it is an industry that has been overlooked for so long, with so many important exposures that need assessing and controlling. Applying controls to the fireline can be challenging and at times frustrating. This is not a workplace that is governed by a profit motive or productivity in the typical sense. Any controls that reduce the productivity of wildland firefighters can mean the loss of land, property, or life. I look forward to working hard with wildland fire professionals both within BCWS and abroad to come up with ways to overcome these barriers to implementation and reduce the burden of occupational disease. I am so grateful to be able to work in this field and make a difference in the health and safety of BCWS staff. At the end of the day I am a recent OEH graduate who is working alone in this novel and challenging space. I welcome discussion and collaborations so please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, criticisms, and concerns! I look forward to building a network of professionals that I can consult with and lean on.