A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Logging Injuries in Montana and Idaho

Details

• Personal Author:
  Lagerstrom E ; Magzamen S ; Rosecrance J
• Description:
  Background: Despite advances in mechanization, logging continues to be one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Logging in the Intermountain West region (Montana and Idaho) is especially hazardous due to steep terrain, extreme weather, and remote work locations. Methods: We implemented a mixed-methods approach combining analyses of workers' compensation claims and focus groups to identify factors associated with injuries and fatalities in the logging industry. Results: Inexperienced workers (>6 months experience) accounted for over 25% of claims. Sprain/strain injuries were the most common, accounting for 36% of claims, while fatalities had the highest median claim cost ($274 411). Focus groups identified job tasks involving felling trees, skidding, and truck driving as having highest risk. Conclusions: Injury prevention efforts should focus on training related to safe work methods (especially for inexperienced workers), the development of a safety culture and safety leadership, as well as implementation of engineering controls. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Engineering Epidemiology Forestry Mortality Musculoskeletal Diseases Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Author Keywords: Forestry Engineering Controls Fatalities Forestry Workers Injuries Injury Prevention Logging Logging Industry Logging Safety MSD Musculoskeletal Disorders Workers Compensation

  More +
• ISSN:
  0271-3586
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant ; Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Colorado ; Idaho ; Montana ; OSHA Region 10 ; OSHA Region 8
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  60
• Issue:
  12
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20050251
• Citation:
  Am J Ind Med 2017 Dec; 60(12):1077-1087
• Contact Point Address:
  Elise Lagerstrom, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, 1681Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523
• Email:
  lagerste@colostate.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2018
• NORA Priority Area:
  Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
• Performing Organization:
  University of Colorado, Denver
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20070701
• Source Full Name:
  American Journal of Industrial Medicine
• End Date:
  20250630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:e41809ebcc5c457b2b603cda157709284f65894f1d967c053bee888c9143f8773090f2a6ae298258ff3e0b82b8a59945a134151fe3b3895ec008e2495e08ee7c
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/210675/cdc_210675_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 539.47 KB ]