Last updated on June 1st, 2023 at 02:04 pm
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.
To request a training on these topics or more, click here.
Topics for the first year of work will include:
- Musculoskeletal Concerns/ Ergonomics
- Workplace Violence
- Suicide Prevention
- Chainsaw Safety
Webinars
| Webinar Title | Summary | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | |
| Talking About Ticks – Lyme Disease | As people spend more time outdoors, so do many insects and pests. Among them are ticks, which are small bloodsucking insects. The deer tick (also known as the black-legged tick) is found mainly in the Eastern and upper Midwestern regions of the U.S. It can cause conditions such as Lyme disease – the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. This webinar will cover the things you need to know to prevent tick bites when working outdoors, how to remove a tick if bitten, as well as the symptoms that can result from tick bites that may indicate Lyme Disease. | |
| 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. |