Many Americans who go to work every day are at a high risk of getting injured, or worse yet, killed. Having a dangerous job is not for the faint of heart, but unfortunately, many Americans are forced to work in a dangerous profession because there are simply no other jobs available.
The most dangerous jobs are not only those that have the most fatalities, but the most injuries as well. Some of these jobs include electricians, taxi drivers, police officers, agricultural workers, and aircraft pilots. Another occupation that is always at the top of the list for the most dangerous job in America is logging workers.
Dangers of the Logging Industry
According to the most recent statistics, the non-fatal injury rate for those who work in the logging industry is 2,449 injuries and 135.9 fatal injuries per 100,000 workers. Logging accidents happen as a result of getting struck by falling objects, such as logs and entire trees. Falling off of loading platforms and logging trucks, and getting pinched or crushed between objects and equipment are other ways that many logging injuries and deaths occur.
According to workers’ compensation attorneys, Jason D. Mills & Associates, when injuries are sustained while performing work-related duties, they may qualify for workers’ comp benefits. This is good news for logging workers, considering falls and struck by injuries can easily incur one million dollars in claims.
There are many factors in the logging industry that contribute to a high rate of injuries and fatalities. Some of which include working with dangerous tools, such as chainsaws and logging machines, and working in inclement weather and on unstable terrain.
Increasing Safety in the Logging Industry
Over the years, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has tried to make the logging industry safer. Along with adding regulations that include more first-aid training and wearing more protective equipment, OSHA has also tried to implement comprehensive felling procedures. Despite these regulations, the logging industry continues to be a dangerous occupation.
Those who work in the industry say that when loggers work outside of a machine instead of inside one, they are at a much higher risk of injury. The primary reason machines aren’t used to do much of the labor is simply because ground-based machinery can’t be used on slopes steeper than 26.57 degrees.
This is where tethered assist technology can help make this industry safer. Unfortunately, however, the fact this technology costs over one million dollars, makes it a tough sell to most logging companies, despite the fact it could reduce injury and save lives.
