Forestry

Evaluation of Wearable-Based Activity Recognition Modeling Applications for Logging Safety

This pilot project is integrating geospatial technology and activity recognition modeling into a Garmin smartwatch and smartphone application for rigging crew workers in the logging industry. This application aims to prevent injuries by improving loggers’ situational awareness by providing real-time updates of their coworkers’ work activity status and location.

Pilot: Sexual Harassment Prevention

This project was created in response to concerns voiced by farmworker health and social service providers about the occupational health risks of women agricultural workers, as well as increased media and legal attention regarding sexual harassment in the agricultural workplace. The hidden nature of this issue profoundly impacts women’s ability to work safely in agriculture. The agricultural industry also shares its concern about the lack of culturally-appropriate educational resources available to address this problem.

Spanish Glossary of Forestry Services Terms

Safety communication for forestry workers can be complicated by language barriers and the use of specific technical and lay jargon. At times, workers are unfamiliar with the tasks they perform, forest management practices, and goals. This is particularly an issue for Hispanic forestry workers, which comprise a significant portion of the forestry workforce. Establishing a common set of terms will help firms, supervisors, and workers communicate safety concerns and best practices.

Pilot: Occupational Safety and Health of Forest Workers

The forest service workforce is a predominately Spanish-speaking and immigrant population that faces language barriers, isolated working environments, and dangerous working conditions. To address the occupational health and safety concerns of this population, this project explored the injuries and illnesses and related medical treatment. The data collected in this project was used to pilot a job health and safety promotora program for forest service workers.