Words About the Woods
In some parts of the country, the harvesting of timber is done year round. In other areas, the industry is just beginning the season. While the terrain and types of logging and equipment utilized may vary from West to East, and North to South, the message should not - safety & risk management are crucial.
The job is physically challenging and extremely dangerous not only to employees but to potential third parties. The logger relies on his own capabilities, the capabilities of his co-workers, the inherent risks of outside parties and nature on a daily basis. The equipment is big, vulnerable to overturn and susceptible to fire if not maintained properly.
Good management, hiring and training to assure the best crews, and having a written safety plan that is communicated frequently through safety meetings are vital to the success of the business owner and availability to obtain insurance.
The following are a few costly examples of incidents in the forest industry that may have been avoided if proper risk management pratices were in place:
- A loader operator backed over a sub contract truck driver on logging site, resulting in a fatality.
- A truck driver rounded a curve, rolled the truck and trailer, spilled fuel in the vehicle tank and in the trailer being hauled to the woods.
- A portable heater left running near combustible material caused a shop to burn to the ground.
- Metal against rock, slash burn, equipment fire and smoking, are some common causes that can lead to forest fires.
Please take a few moments to review some of our industry related publications relating to Logging Safety, Harvest Reports and War Stories (claims scenarios) with your staff, policyholders or potential clients.
Schinnerer has the knowledge and expertise of the forest industry that can help you provide your forest related clients with the coverage they need and require. For more information, please visit www.Schinnerer.com/Forest.
Written by, Forest Program Manager, Dawn Eichelkraut