Last updated on July 27th, 2023 at 09:30 am
Foresters and logging workers face many physical dangers. They are a part of one of the most hazardous industries, with high job-related injury, illness, and fatality rates. Foresters and loggers have a physically demanding and dangerous job. Additionally, these workers are exposed to a combination of factors that stem from the work environment or processed materials. They are exposed to extreme temperatures, poisonous plants, pesticides, attacks from wild animals or stinging pests, and constant pressure to work harder and faster which exposes these workers to specific challenges that workers in other sectors will not typically encounter.
AgriSafe is excited to announce that we are working to reduce occupational health disparities among foresters and loggers. We believe that a continued focus on safety culture in the workplace can improve worker safety behavior and risk reduction practices.
Topics for the first year of work will include:
- Musculoskeletal Concerns/ Ergonomics
- Workplace Violence
- Suicide Prevention
- Chainsaw Safety
AgriSafe staff can provide training on these and other topics to your employees or group. Click here to Request a Training.
Webinars
| Webinar Title | Summary | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Chainsaw Safety Training | The Chainsaw Safety training program is intended for workers and managers in the agricultural and forestry industries. The major focus of the program is on the identification of and the safe operation of chainsaws. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 36,000 people are injured by chainsaws annually. | |
| Musculoskeletal and Ergonomic Safety for Forest Workers | Forest workers face unique ergonomic challenges due to their exposure to extreme environmental conditions, heavy workload, and dangerous tools and machines. The forest sector has one of the highest rates of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), almost 100 times higher than the industrial targets the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) set. This program is intended to help forest workers identify ergonomic issues leading to musculoskeletal injuries and discover resources to aid in injury treatment and prevention. | |
| Preventing Workplace Violence for Forestry Workers | Forestry and logging workers are exposed to a range of biological hazards, extreme weather, accidents, and – especially for women– assault. Workplace violence is violence or the threat of violence against workers. This training will review the many forms of workplace violence among co-workers, including sexual harassment. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) states that “each employer shall furnish to each of his employees’ employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” In this presentation, AgriSafe will focus on educating forestry employees and their employers on reporting violent incidents to authorities, informing employees of their legal rights, and safe work practices. | |
| Stress Control Strategies for the Forestry and Timber Workforce | Stress can directly impact safety. Whether managing forestry wildfires or working long strenuous days harvesting and hauling timber, the forestry and logging workforce face unique situations that can predispose stress and challenges to mental well-being. The agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (AgFF) industries has one of highest percentages of deaths by suicide. Key factors contributing to despair and distress include financial losses, chronic illness or pain, a sense of work-life imbalance, and lack of mental health support. This session will explore the topic with a review of specific risk factors, and discuss ways to support this workforce in an unpredictable environment. | |
| The Ergonomics of Hand Planting Reforestation Work | Reforestation work is vital to the health of America’s forests and the U.S. economy. Hand planting, a common reforestation practice, provides unique challenges to safety and health practitioners interested in reducing occupational injuries and illnesses. This webinar will share lessons learned from a team of investigators studying occupational exposures to physical risk factors among hand planters in the Southeastern United States. |