Potential Hazards in Logging

 

Stages in logging (timber clearing):

(1) reaching the trees

(2) delimbing the tree

(3) cutting down the tree (treefelling)

(4) preparing the log for transport

(5) moving the logs to the processing plant

 

Types of injuries:

(1) blows to head and neck

(2) fall or slip

(3) blunt trauma

(4) crush injuries

(5) saw or chainsaw injuries

(6) drowning

(7) cold exposure

(8) splinters

(9) fractures

(10) whiplash from cable or rope

 

The hazard in moving the logs varies with the method used to transport the logs.

 

Transport Method	Hazard
down a sluice	fast moving logs, disentangling jams
by river	rolling off log, disentangling jams, rapids and rocks
by helicopter	loading the sling, swinging logs, offloading
by truck	heavy machinery used to lift logs, driving heavy trucks
skidding	moving logs over unfinished paths

 

Risk factors for injury:

(1) inexperience (young age and/or high turnover)

(2) failure to use safety equipment (hard hat, goggles, gloves, harness, etc.)

(3) intoxication

(4) faulty equipment or equipment failure

(5) inattention

(6) exhaustion

(7) ice, rain or mud

 

Once injured any delay in evacuation or care increases morbidity and mortality. This is a problem since many sites are remote and access is difficult.