Alert of the Month
Recent logging incidents have highlighted the need to work on three critical areas: workers being struck by objects, motor vehicle incidents, and slips, trips and falls.
- Being struck by an object, like a danger tree, log or piece of equipment
In the BC Interior, a worker was assisting with loading equipment onto a lowbed. The truck tractor was backing up and the worker’s leg was crushed between the truck and trailer. Another example occurred at a dryland sort operation where a log chunk fell off a dewatered bundle of logs and struck a worker. The worker was airlifted to hospital.
- Motor vehicle incidents
While en route to a local mill yard, a loaded logging truck collided with a moving train at an uncontrolled railway crossing. The truck driver was taken to the hospital. On a logging road, a loaded logging truck lost control on the approach to a bridge, struck the guardrails, rolled over, and landed in the creek about 65 feet below. The driver was transported to hospital by ambulance.
- Slips, trips and falls
While setting up tail blocks at the back end of a logging setting, a hooktender (a young worker) slipped on a moss-covered rock, then slid and fell about 30 feet. The worker was transported to hospital by helicopter.
These incidents are still under investigation, however, brief your crew on the following safety information to help prevent similar incidents:
- Many operations are ramping up after a summer of firefighting or shutdowns. Take extra care during this time as everyone gets back into regular safe work routines.
- Hazards that result in “struck by” incidents often come from above; look up to spot the hazards and get out “of the bight”.
- Before moving equipment, make sure that everyone in the area knows and understands what is to be done. Drivers and operators – stop moving if the worker directing you moves out of sight. All workers directing and moving equipment should be equipped with handheld radios.
- Safety equipment like seatbelts and bucking pants can save a life. Inspect this equipment regularly to make sure it is in good condition and replace if damaged. Make sure they are used consistently by all workers.
- Mindset and attitude are very important especially when doing repetitive jobs like driving. Vigilance and an observant, thoughtful attitude can help you anticipate hazards and react appropriately.
- Many logging, road building and silviculture operations are moving into steeper ground where there is more potential for slips, trips and falls, and for equipment rollovers.
Resources
- This fatality alert contains information on preventing incidents where workers are struck by vehicles. /node/2885
- Most of the incident descriptions above come from WorkSafeBC’s incident web page; a good resource for identifying incident trends in the forest industry: www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/create-manage/incident-investigations/reporting-incidents-worksafebc/recent-incidents
- BCFSC’s Steep Slope Logging Resource Package: /node/1938
- Steep Grade Descent Tools for Log Trucks: fpinnovations.ca/ResearchProgram/forest-operations/transport-and-energy/pages/tools-and-resources.aspx
- Safety Videos:
