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Epidemiology of Alaska helicopter logging deaths.

Conway GA

Proceedings of the Helicopter Logging Safety Workshop, March 1-2, 1995, Ketchikan, Alaska. Klatt ML, Hudson DS, Conway GA, eds. Anchorage, AK: Alaska Interagency Working Group for the Prevention of Occupational Injuries, 1996 Feb; :5-14

00235893

The occupational risks involved in working in Alaska were investigated through surveillance and reporting systems; conducting prevention orientation research; and looking at high risk operations and occupations in particular. These high risk industries included commercial fishing, air transport and logging. The occupational fatality rate in Alaska was 35 per 100,000 workers per year, about five times the United States rate. When compared to other countries with similar climates to Alaska, and with major logging and fishing industries, the fatality rates in these other nations were much lower. Six helicopter incidents which prompted recent investigations were reviewed. As a result of the studies of these crashes, fatality and injury surveillance data, the working group offered the following concerns. All helicopter logging pilots and ground crews should receive specific training in long line operation; each company should follow all manufacturer's recommendations for more frequent maintenance; appropriate limits on helicopter crew flight time and duty periods should be established; use of multi engine rotor craft should be considered in case of a single engine failure; low cost emergency medical training should be made available to persons likely to work in helicopter logging environments; and all flights over water should include appropriate survival equipment for all crew and passengers.

Accident-analysis; Accident-prevention; Risk-factors; Accident-rates; Epidemiology; Pilots; Aircrews; Logging-workers; Surveillance; Aircraft; Air transportation; Transportation industry; Logging industry; Fatalities; Work operations; Training; Equipment maintenance; Work schedules; Emergency preparedness; Medical treatment; Emergency equipment; Emergency treatment; First aid

19960201

Conference/Symposia Proceedings

Klatt ML; Hudson DS; Conway GA

1996

DSR

Proceedings of the Helicopter Logging Safety Workshop, March 1-2, 1995, Ketchikan, Alaska

AK