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Request for assistance in preventing injuries and deaths of loggers.

NIOSH

Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 95-101, 1994 Dec; :1-8

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/95-101/

00224646

The risks of injury or death in the logging industry were discussed. Six incidents resulting in the deaths of six workers performing logging operations were described. Use of proper safety procedures and equipment would have prevented each of these deaths. In the first case a chain saw recoiled and kicked back, fatally striking the logger in the throat. In the second case the logger was crushed by a tree which had been lodged and was shaken loose by the vibration of the chain saw. In case 3 the victim was felled by a limb which fell 35 feet and struck him on his head. In case 4 the victim was wearing approved head protection, but a snag broke off and fractured the first vertebra in his neck. Case 5 was struck on the head and died instantly when a coworker felled a tree and the victim was unable to hear the warning shouts due to ear plugs he was wearing to protect his hearing. Case 6 fell or jumped from a skidder cab and was run over by the left rear tire. Recommendations were made regarding following safety procedures: developing, implementing, and enforcing a safety program; conducting initial and daily job site surveys; designating a competent person to conduct periodic safety inspections; and oversee the selection and use of chain saws.

NIOSH-Author; Safety-practices; Accident-analysis; Accident-prevention; Traumatic-injuries; Logging-workers; Forestry-workers

19941201

Numbered Publication; Alert

1995

PB95-189759

A02

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 95-101

DSR

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

WV