The logging industry is one of the most unsafe in the United States. It’s up to every logging company to ensure they provide workers with a safe environment. This is done through training and providing them with the proper equipment.
Mechanization of the industry is reducing the risk to workers, but it won’t completely eliminate it. The often unpredictable nature of the job and the equipment used for logging are two of the primary risks of the industry.
What are the common hazards in the logging industry?
Almost half of the injuries in the logging industry are due to the worker slipping and falling when they’re getting on or off machines. The use of chainsaws for delimbing branches is highly hazardous in all logging operations. Other automated equipment is also dangerous, but the risk of these can be minimized with proper training.
Another common cause of injuries in the logging industry is performing maintenance on the equipment. Having to repair it on the job site is a risky venture. Workers who are doing maintenance and repairs must ensure they’re using appropriate safety precautions, including disconnecting power on the machine they’re working on.
Who’s at risk of being injured?
Every person working in the logging industry is at risk. Almost half of the injuries in the industry involve workers who have been on the job for less than a year. In manual operations, workers who are in the active felling zone are the most at risk for serious or fatal injuries. In fully mechanized operations, supervisors, drivers and equipment operators are at the highest risk.
Continuing education is crucial in this industry because workers may become too comfortable with their job duties. Workers who are too comfortable may become lax in following safety regulations. Workers should also be required to wear proper personal safety equipment and avoid wearing loose clothing that can be caught in moving parts.
Workers in the logging industry often need emergency medical care when they suffer an injury. Workers’ compensation should cover that expense, as well as other costs and expenses. If you were injured at work, you may need to fight for the benefits you deserve.