Logger killed by swinging tree in yarding operation.
Source
NIOSH 2006 Jun; :1-5
Abstract
On November 1, 2004, a 47-year-old logger, working as a choker setter, was struck by a tree in a cable logging operation. The choker setter was working with a partner, setting chokers to a turn of logs under a high-lead cable system. The pair was working on opposite sides of the skyline. Once the turn was set, the choker setter signaled the yarder engineer to activate the cable and move the logs up the hill. A small-diameter, tree-length log within the turn hung up on an adjacent stump, and swung out when it snapped free. The log hit the choker setter in the midsection. He was admitted to the hospital with broken ribs and serious internal injuries and died 7 days later. CAUSE OF DEATH: Multiple blunt traumatic injuries RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Always position yourself "in the clear," either to the side or behind the moving turn. 2. A responsible supervisor must plan operations in advance and effectively communicate with coworkers to assure the safety of the logging crew. 3. Logging companies are required to implement an effective safety and health program.
Keywords
Region-10; Accident-analysis; Accident-potential; Accident-prevention; Accidents; Injuries; Injury-prevention; Traumatic-injuries; Logging-workers
Document Type
Field Studies; Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation
Funding Type
Cooperative Agreement
NTIS Accession No.
PB2006-115530
Identifying No.
FACE-04OR052; Cooperative-Agreement-Number-U60-CCU-021204; Cooperative-Agreement-Number-U60-OH-008324; Cooperative-Agreement-Number-U60-OH-008472
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Performing Organization
Oregon Department of Human Services
