The forestry sector is among the top ten manufacturing employers in the US, and yet logging work is among the top three most dangerous. Logging involves exposures to a wide variety of hazards, including: work in close proximity to heavy equipment and trucks; tree falls, log movements and falling objects; ergonomic issues; hand-arm and whole-body vibration; noise, and; environmental factors. The fatality rate for loggers recently averaged 84 deaths per 100,000 workers. This represents a steady decline in fatalities, yet is still 23 times greater than the overall US rate. Washington and Oregon represent about 20% of total US logging employment.
Logging is characterized by small businesses, comprising only 0.5% of all US employment, but accounts for 2% of all workplace fatalities. Smaller logging contractors have mortality risks ten times higher than larger firms. Injuries are also very common in logging..Learn more in this US Bureau of Labor Statistics' Beyond the Numbers article on logging.
In coming years the logging sector will emerge from the recession with a workforce substantially reduced in numbers and skills. Increased mechanization of logging is changing the nature of the hazards and is generally safe, yet these new technologies introduce new hazards to address. There is a need to build this valuable worforce’s skills and knowledge to improve their safety. Our forestry and logging research priorities are developed with the participation of logging stakeholders.
PNASH Selected Articles
- Aches, Pains, and Strains
- Hearing Loss - Risks and Prevention
- Forestry - Integrating Safety in a Time of Rapid Change
- Safety in Steep Slope Logging Operations
Regional and National Resources
- Forest Worker Safety Review Newsletter Archive | PNASH
- Logging Resources | Work Safe BC
- Logging Safety Resources | National Timber and Harvesting Safety Foundation
- Logging Safety Research | CDC/NIOSH
- Logging E-tool | Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA)
- Logging Safety Recognition, Control, and Standards | OSHA
- Accident Analysis in Forestry: A practical field guide | FAO
- Occupational Safety and Health in Forest Harvesting and Silviculture | FAO
