Main Covid-19 Page
The news for COVID-19 and logging work does have its bright side - the work continues and is one of the lowest risk occupations! Although, now that we understand the persistence of this virus, and as activities in farming have picked-up, so has the spread of coronavirus to many rural communities. Loggers are a family, and the fabric of many rural American communities, so here we offer practical advice to keep your co-workers, family, and community safe.
If you have additional resources or a specific idea/solutions you would like to share, submit your solutions through this COVID-19 Practical Solutions Survey, or feel free to contact me at marcyw@uw.edu.
Logging Management - Assessment and Control Plan
Conduct your worksite risk-assessment and develop your preparedness and response plan that works for your operation and location. Identify workers who may be at increased susceptibility for COVID-19 and consider adjusting their work responsibilities to minimize exposure.
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 (Spanish). OSHA
Revised Enforcement Guidance for Recording Cases of COVID-19. OSHA
Guidance for Businesses and Employers Responding to COVID-19. CDC
Training & Guidance for Logging
Coronavirus Basic Prevention Measures (fact sheet). AOL and PNASH Center
COVID-19 for Logging - Practical Advice (article). By Marcy Harrington for the American Loggers Council
Loggers Ultimate Social Distances, But Not Immune to COVID-19 (article). By Niels de Hoop for the Louisiana Forestry Association
Keep Your Logging Site Safe (poster). SWAG Center
Work Camps. For logging work camps, refer to CDC’s guidance for shared housing.
Transportation. WA Dept. of Labor and Industries:
- Use alternative transportation arrangements to decrease use of a crew bus.
- Decrease the number of riders on the crew bus to maintain social distancing.
- Arrange or encourage workers to drive by themselves to the worksite.
- Work with your timber landowner to ensure private vehicles are permitted on their land.
- Using a facemask does not substitute for social distancing.
Related COVID-19 Guidance
SEE PNASH’s General COVID-19 Resources
COVID-19. The Forest Resources Association (FRA) provides critical policy information at a state and national level.
Industry-specific Guidance (farming and construction offer useful strategies for logging). CDC
N95 Alternatives for Pesticide Handling. CA Dept. of Pesticide Regulation
COVID-19 Spanish materials. Compiled by PNASH Center