Forestry is one of the most dangerous professions. Work activities such as logging and harvesting present real physical dangers. Some call it a “3D” job - dirty, dangerous, and difficult.
The forestry industry is an extremely large source of employment, but many workers lack adequate labor protections. Of the 14 million people in the world employed in the forest sector, roughly ten million are employed informally. Women and people on short-term contracts tend to get paid less, and/or work jobs with higher accident rates.
For this reason, worker safety is especially necessary for people working in the forest. It is important to identify the risks, determine effective ways to reduce them, and gather the necessary resources to keep safe.
There are a number of risk factors that pose a threat to workers’ physical health. These injuries can only be presented by anticipating all risk factors before accidents happen.
Even under the shade of branches, a forest can get hot. For those doing intensive labor, extreme heat can lead to dehydration or heat stress. This is especially dangerous for someone operating heavy machinery. In order to avoid dangerous conditions, workers and employers can take precautions such as providing sun shelters, drinking lots of water, judiciously using of rest periods and undertaking the heaviest work in the coolest work hours
Heat stress management supplies can help with all these precautions. The Seco Hydration Pack allows workers to drink up to 2.5 liters of water as they work, for a cool price of $53.00. The Kishigo Brisk Cooling Vest is especially designed for hot weather and is available at $47.50 per vest.
The Gatorice ice chest, at just $83.61, ensures that there is access to cold water for the entire workday. Make sure to get 6oz cone paper cups if you plan to bring a water cooler out. You can also supplement these hydration sources with Gatorade Single Serve Powder Sticks that are loaded with electrolytes and carbohydrates.
A host of clothing items offer special cooling features. The Kishigo Brisk Cooling Bandana ($5.75), the HexArmor ColdRush Bandana ($10.00), the Buff CoolNet Multifunctional Headwear ($24.00), the HexArmor ColdRush Du Rag ($14.25) and Hard Hat ($12.50) all keep your head cool on a hot day.
Extreme cold weather can also present dangers. Reduced dexterity, blood flow, muscle strength and balance are all possible physical symptoms. The risks of cold weather can be mitigated by regularly eating food, wearing adequate clothing, and using sufficient facilities for drying clothes.
The physical environment of a forest offers unique safety risks. Logging activity often occurs on steep slopes. This increases the chance of machinery accidents and rockfalls. Take note of the slope and soil type. Finely textured soils, like clay, are slippery when wet. Steeper slopes mean that workers will be less grounded on their feet. In environments that are underground or up high, Fall Protection and Fall Arrest Equipment can be life saving. In environments where rain is common, investing in Rain Safety Equipment is also necessary to keep workers warm, dry, and stable.
There are several equipment hazards that can pose risks. If workers cut trees faster than intended, the falling trees can pose a threat to anyone in the vicinity.
Furthermore, “tree hangups” occur when a fallen tree doesn’t reach the ground because it gets hung up by another tree or obstacle. This creates an unsafe condition, as the setup has completely changed.
Finally, chainsaw kickbacks occur when the rotating chain is stopped by a more solid area. This throws the saw backward onto the operator.
The first step to avoiding these risks is ensuring workers have the proper training to use their instruments correctly. Additionally, safety gear such as safety eyewear, work gloves, and safety footwear is important when using these heavy tools.
In addition, tools such as flagging tape and tree paint can help mark areas that are at risk, ensuring nobody unknowingly enters harm’s way. Flagging tape can be purchased in many different colors, for prices as low as $1.62 per roll. Tree paint can be purchased in blue or orange at $4.84 per case of twelve cans.
Chainsaws and brush cutters are loud instruments. If hearing protection equipment is not used, it can cause long-term hearing damage. Hearing protection equipment comes in many types of earplugs and earmuffs.
Furthermore, being in contact with the vibrations of these instruments can be dangerous. Chainsaws and brush cutters can cause hand-arm vibrations. This impacts blood circulation in the hands and forearms and damages nerves, tendons, muscles, bones, and joints. Vibration dampers can reduce this problem.
Finally, machines such as skidders and loaders can cause whole-body vibrations. This can result in lower back pain and repetitive strain injury. Vibration dampening seats and decreased exposure through job rotation are the best protection for this.
Chemicals such as chainsaw fumes, and biological hazards such as plants, pollen, and insect bites can put people’s health at risk.
For those working nearby dangerous chemicals, chainsaw chaps and protective wear are safe, durable, and comfortable. All have serged seams, full front zippers, and attached hoods. This can be purchased for $88.00 or $90.00.
For those who will be working in areas with snakes, investing in snake gaiters, chaps, and legging can protect your legs from bites.
For those working in the presence of flammables and other chemicals, fire resistant clothing offers an extra layer of safety. A wide range of fire-resistant clothing is available, from coveralls to shirts, to jackets and vests.
For those who are working alone, extreme weather, accidents, and assault are also concerns. These risks can be avoided by working in groups, familiarizing yourself with the specific concerns in your area, and acquiring attire that is built for the climate.
For those working in the forest, there are many precautions that are necessary to ensure their safety and health. With the proper management, this can be achieved. First, though, it is necessary to ensure that workers are equipped with the proper materials and training for the task at hand.
