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Proper Safety Protocol Can Minimize Logging Industry Accidents

On Behalf of | Oct 31, 2019 | Workers' Compensation, Workplace Injuries

The logging industry comes with several hazards for workers, but these can usually be minimized by the employers if they establish proper safety protocols. The rate of fatalities in this industry is 23 times higher than the rate for all workers in this country.

The greatest hazards for them are falling objects and being caught in or between objects. These accounted for around 59% of all fatalities. In 90% of those cases, the falling object was a limb, log, tree or snag. These are also the factors that can lead to catastrophic injuries on the job site.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has standards in place to help keep workers safe. The employers must ensure that they have everything in order for compliance. Some of the most recent changes to these standards include:

  • Establishing felling procedures for various situations.
  • Setting the standards for protective equipment.
  • Requiring first aid training and other job training for employees.
  • Outlining requirements for protective structures and rollovers.

While employees must follow the proper procedures exactly, it is up to the employer to get them established and ensure compliance. One way to do this is to have inspections throughout the job site. This gives supervisors a chance to make changes to the day’s duties and methods based on any unsafe situations that are present.

Workers who suffer injuries in this industry might have extensive medical care needs, which come at a considerable cost. Seeking compensation can help them receive the care they need. They may also access other benefits like partial wage replacement that can assist them during this time.

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