5 Common Logging Injuries and How to Prevent Them
No one likes getting hurt on the job, but it happens in nearly every profession. Working in the logging industry in particular can be a dangerous job, with loggers facing a high risk of on-the-job injuries.
In fact, the 2021 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics census for occupational injuries uncovered that the logging industry has a fatal work injury rate of 82 per 100,000 full-time equivalent employees, making it one of the most hazardous industries to work in America today.
This article will provide an overview of what injuries loggers might face while on the job and how loggers can prevent on-the-job injuries by following certain safety guidelines and taking proactive measures to ensure their own well-being.
Common Logging Injuries
1. Falling objects
Falling objects are a serious hazard that loggers must be aware of while on the job. The potential harm caused by trees or debris falling from above can be devastating, leading to severe injuries and even death in some cases. Loggers must be constantly vigilant and aware of their environment to ensure they remain in safe areas and away from any potential
2. Noise-induced hearing loss
Noise-induced hearing loss is a serious condition that can affect these workers due to the loud and constant noise exposure associated with the job. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, noise above 70 dB over a prolonged period of time may start to damage your hearing. Loud noise above 120 dB can cause immediate harm to your ears.
3. Cold Exposure
Cold exposure is another common hazard to be aware of while on the job. Working in cold climates, logging requires frequent exposure to extreme temperatures and can lead to a number of conditions including hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot. It is important to take proactive steps to prevent cold-related injuries, such as wearing layered clothing and using hand warmers while working.
4. Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are another common hazard faced by these workers on a daily basis. Working in the woods comes with its own set of obstacles and hazards including uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, low-hanging branches, and other potential hazards which can all lead to slips, trips, and falls. They must be aware of their surroundings and take proper safety precautions to minimize the risk of injury from these types of accidents.
5. Dehydration
Dehydration is also a risk because they may become so busy that they neglect to stay hydrated. It's important to take frequent breaks and keep hydrated while working in order to avoid heat-related illnesses.
How to Prevent these on-the-job injuries
1. Be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Many workers may not need to think about their surroundings on a daily basis, but professional loggers know that situational awareness of the environment is key to safety. It's important to stay aware of the surrounding woods when working in them.
Keep an eye out for debris or falling objects that may come from nearby trees being cut down or moved; these could cause serious injury if they're not taken care of properly. Taking the time to pause and assess your situation regularly is essential; staying aware of the activities happening around you can help prevent any dangerous mishaps while logging!
2. Wear the proper safety gear
Whenever you're going to be tackling any hard or dangerous task, make sure you're wearing the proper safety gear. A hard hat and gloves are a must for most cases but don't forget about all of your other protective equipment too like steel-toed boots and protective eyewear. Having the right safety gear can make all the difference in completing a hard job safely, so do yourself a favor and be smart about it; choose safety!
3. Know how to use their equipment properly
For any piece of equipment that a person uses, it is important that they understand the manufacturer's instructions to use the product correctly and safely. Knowing how to properly deploy and handle the device or machine could mean the difference between the successful completion of a task or dangerous accidents. It is important that everyone involved is aware of the manufacturer’s instructions in order to ensure the proper use of their equipment and make sure that no one gets hurt.
4. If something doesn't seem right, stop and ask for help
Everyone occasionally experiences the feeling that something is out of place or off when doing their job. It can be a confusing and potentially scary feeling, but it's important to always take it seriously and ask for help if you get an uneasy feeling about it. Don't be afraid to ask for help from a supervisor or co-worker if you feel out of place or think something is wrong; this can go a long way to staying safe.
5. Take breaks throughout the day to stay hydrated and rested.
Taking the time to stay hydrated and rested throughout the day is key to good health and productivity. It's important to make sure that you're taking proper breaks, especially if you're working hard or using screens frequently. Staying hydrated helps keep our organs functioning properly while getting enough rest and proper sleep allows us to stay sharp and focused. Whenever you feel the need to grab water, you should do so as long as it is safe for you and others.
6. Report any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem at the time.
It's important to report minor injuries as soon as they occur, even if it seems minor at the time. When we don't report these seemingly minor injuries, they have an ugly habit of becoming more serious, leading to more pain and an impact on our work-life balance. If you or a colleague has had an injury, it's best to talk to a supervisor who will know the right steps to take in providing good advice and access to medical treatment. Injured workers can benefit from quick intervention, so don't hesitate; report minor injuries to your supervisor immediately!
Being a logger requires heightened alertness, and excessive knowledge of safety gear and equipment use, among other aspects that can help keep the team safe. By paying attention to their surroundings and following our tips above, loggers can do their job while minimizing the risk involved. We understand that logging has its risks but there are steps you can take to keep yourself safe while doing your job. If you have any questions about on-the-job injuries, please contact us.
Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.