Logging safety is vital in one of the most hazardous industries in the world. From operating heavy machinery to working at great heights, logging comes with unique risks that require strict safety measures.
Employees in the logging industry face numerous hazards, no matter their specific role. Because most logging sites are in remote, sparsely populated areas, workers often have limited access to immediate medical care in the event of an illness or injury.
Common Logging Injuries
Due to physically demanding labor in wooded terrains and exposure to volatile weather conditions, loggers face many dangers on the job. Struck-by injuries by felling are a common risk to loggers and can be sustained after manual tree-cutting with hand tools or by operating a mobile machine or vehicle. Aside from struck-by injuries, loggers are at risk of additional injuries, such as:
- Concussion injuries caused by falling objects, such as tree fragments
- Cuts and lacerations from chainsaw kickbacks, tree fragments, or wire rope
- Acoustic trauma to the ears caused by high decibel noise from electric tools and mechanical equipment
- Vibration syndrome in the hands from prolonged chain saw use and mechanical equipment
- And, musculoskeletal injuries occurring in the form of lower back injuries, caused by lifting heavy loads or working in awkward positions
OSHA Standards for Logging
OSHA has logging safety standards located in 29 CFR 1910.266. The guideline establishes safety practices for all logging job types, regardless of the industry sector. The course of action calls for:
- Examining the hazards around the tree, including spring poles, throwbacks, or widow makers above, and confirm that no obstacles are in the retreat path, such as a lodged or dead tree
- Planning a direction 45° from the sides and back of the tree
- Clearing a quick retreat path 20 feet away from the felled tree and with no obstacles in the landing area, such as stumps or large rocks
- Applying a bore-and-release tree cutting style which will allow enough time to retreat from the tree’s path of descent. The 3 cuts advised by the Logging Tool are the top, bottom, and back cut
When logs are removed from the jobsite, only machine operators and other designated personnel are permitted in the loading area. Work hazards posed by the transportation of logs and the unintended release of cables from the logs can be minimized by adhering to OSHA rules and standards. OSHA’s “Log Yard Safety Practices” contains a comprehensive checklist for both felling and the transportation of logs from the production area.
When weather conditions create a potential hazard, all work should stop and employees should relocate to a safe place. Environmental factors that could impact production include:
- Electrical storms
- Strong winds
- Heavy rain or snow
- Extreme heat or cold
- Dense fog
- Fires
- Mudslides
- And, darkness
Tools, Machines, and Hazardous Material Maintenance
The use and upkeep of hand tools, portable powered tools, machinery, vehicles, and hazardous materials, such as blasting agents and flammable liquids, are regulated under OSHA Standard 1910.266. According to this standard, blasting agents and flammable liquids must be stored, handled, and used in compliance with Subpart H requirements. They should never be transported in the driver’s compartment or passenger area of any machine or vehicle.
In addition to 1910.266, OSHA’s Log Yard Safety Procedures includes a detailed checklist to ensure the safe use of tools and mechanical equipment. This checklist covers essential practices such as:
- Chainsaws: Chainsaws must be kept in proper working condition. Safety features like chain brakes and throttle trigger lockouts reduce the risk of injury and equipment damage. Inspect and clean these features regularly. Never alter or disable them. To prevent kickbacks, keep a firm grip with both hands, wrapping the thumb and fingers of the front hand fully around the handlebar. One-handed operation is dangerous and should only be used when two-handed use is riskier. To reduce nerve injury risk, NIOSH recommends anti-vibration chainsaws
- And, Mobile Machines and Vehicles: Mobile machines and vehicles must be in safe, serviceable condition. Inspect them for defects or damages before each work shift. Operating and maintenance instructions should be readily available, either on the machine or in the immediate work area, and followed by every operator. Machines built after August 1, 1996, must have cabins with mesh openings no larger than 2 inches (5.08 cm) or a protective canopy. These features protect operators from falling trees, limbs, saplings, or branches entering from the sides. The protective barriers must enclose both the upper and lower portions of the cab
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and First Aid
All PPE must be in good working condition, free of defects, and inspected by the employer before use. OSHA’s logging safety standard recommends the following:
- Hard hats that are ANSI compliant to protect against overhead hazards
- Face protection, such as mesh screen masks, to shield against falling objects and flying debris. These shall meet ANSI standards
- Water-resistant, cut-resistant boots for foot protection
- Slash-resistant clothing, including leg protection from the upper thigh to the top of the boot. NIOSH also recommends anti-vibration gloves to lower the risk of nerve injury
- And, hearing protection when noise levels reach or exceed 85 decibels during an 8-hour shift
Employees must complete training on OSHA’s Logging Standard, Bloodborne Pathogens (1910.1030), and First Aid/CPR (1910.266) before starting work. A qualified safety coordinator must lead the training, and completion must be documented.
First aid kits should be regularly checked, stocked per Appendix A, and sized to the crew and job hazards.
Note: Check with your state OSHA or labor office for additional rules.
Conclusion
Logging is a high-risk industry where safety cannot be overlooked. Proper use of PPE, well-maintained equipment, thorough employee training, and adherence to OSHA standards are essential to protecting workers from injury.