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Knecht H, Balanay JAG, Langley R, Tutor Marcom R, Richards SL. Retrospective Risk Assessment of Injuries and Fatalities in the Forestry and Logging Workforce in the United States, 2003-2019. J Agromedicine 2024; 29:372-383. [PMID: 38445302 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2024.2325708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study on the forestry and logging workforce are to: 1) Analyze causes of injuries/fatalities to inform future intervention studies focused on risk mitigation, 2) determine whether there are any trends or associations between work-related risk factors and workplace injuries/fatalities over a 16-year period (2003-2019), and 3) identify knowledge gaps related to injuries and fatalities for future studies to address. METHODS Data on fatalities, injuries, and illnesses of the forestry and logging workforce from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics were analyzed. Correlation analysis (p < .05) was conducted to assess the relationship between causes of forestry and logging workforce fatalities by cause of fatality in the United States. Injury and fatality rates were calculated for each year (fatalities: 2003-2018; injuries: 2005-2019) and time span-specific incidence rates were calculated by cause. RESULTS Contact with objects and equipment was the primary cause of injuries and fatalities in the forestry and logging workforce during the study period. Transportation-related incidents ranked second as the cause of fatalities, while the category of falls, slips, and trips was the second leading cause of injuries. CONCLUSION Gaps in occupational health and safety identified by this study should be collaboratively addressed by researchers and the forestry industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Knecht
- Department of Public Health, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Jo Anne G Balanay
- College of Health and Human Performance, Health Education and Promotion, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Ricky Langley
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Robin Tutor Marcom
- NC Agromedicine Institute, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie L Richards
- College of Health and Human Performance, Health Education and Promotion, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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Lima KS, Meira Castro AC, Torres Costa J, Baptista JS. Occupational accidents in native and planted forests in Brazil: 2007–2018. Work 2022; 71:719-728. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-210543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite constant technological evolution, the forestry sector is still characterised as one with the highest risk of occupational accidents. There is no doubt that accidents penalise workers considerably, as well as the companies, insurers, and, consequently, the society, to which many of the costs are externalised, namely in cases where the worker is incapacitated and unable to work. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to analyse data on occupational accidents in forestry operations in Brazil between 2007 and 2018 in both native and planted forests. METHODS: Data were made available by the Brazilian Statistical Directory of Accidents at Work. RESULTS: The results show that, although most accidents occurred in planted forests, mortality was higher in native forests. It was also found that, overall, the rate of serious accidents resulting in an incapacity to work and, consequently, sick leave is considerably high. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight that integrating an occupational safety system into a forest management system is crucial for reducing work-related accidents in both native and planted forests. However, the success of this measure will only be effective if it is accompanied by a review of both the Brazilian labour policy and the Brazilian occupational safety management policy, to ensure compliance with legislation, mainly on the part of outsourced companies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Killian S. Lima
- Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics, LAETA (PROA), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana C. Meira Castro
- CERENA and ISEP-School of Engineering, Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - J. Torres Costa
- Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics, LAETA (PROA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - J. Santos Baptista
- Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aeronautics, LAETA (PROA), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Michael J, Gorucu S. Occupational tree felling fatalities: 2010-2020. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:969-977. [PMID: 34459007 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Logging and landscape work are among the most hazardous occupations, and one of the most dangerous tasks in these occupations is tree felling. While much research has been conducted to examine fatalities from logging and landscape services, there is a dearth of research looking specifically at tree felling. There is a need to focus on hazards associated with tree felling activities so that proactive prevention strategies can be developed. METHODS An Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) database was used to identify occupational tree-felling fatalities in the United States during the period from 2010 through the first half of 2020. We compared data for the two industry segments of logging and landscaping services. RESULTS There were 314 fatalities over the period. The victims were overwhelmingly male with the median age being 43. Struck-by was the number one event type causing fatalities, with the head being the number one body part involved in fatalities. Falls from elevation was the only event type significantly different between the logging and landscaping industries. Poor decision-making is noted as a key component of fatal incidents, but bystanders were fatally injured due to the actions of others. CONCLUSIONS Tree felling is one of the most hazardous activities for both loggers and commercial landscapers and is a common cause of fatalities; significant differences in events and source are encountered in those two occupations. Loggers should continue efforts to adopt mechanized harvesting methods. Landscape services tree fellers should receive training related to fall prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judd Michael
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering Pennsylvania State University, University Park Pennsylvania USA
| | - Serap Gorucu
- Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department University of Florida Gainesville Florida USA
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Lundstrom EW, Myers DJ, Lundstrom WJ, Rauscher KJ, Fullen M. A comparison of owner/operator and worker perspectives on workplace safety in the West Virginia logging industry. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:301-309. [PMID: 33522629 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The logging industry is known to have one of the highest rates of fatal and nonfatal occupational injuries in the United States. Perspectives on why this study is so hazardous may differ between logging company owners/operators and workers. In this study, we explored and compared the safety perspectives of logging company owners/operators and workers in West Virginia. METHODS Using a mixed-methods approach, we analyzed survey (n = 245) and interview (n = 14) data collected in 2015 from logging company owners/operators and workers in West Virginia. Survey data were analyzed via logistic regression; interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Response patterns were contrasted by occupational status (owners/operators vs. workers) in both analyses. RESULTS Owners/operators and workers agreed on several aspects of workplace safety including the importance of personal protective equipment and the benefits of mechanization when timber harvesting. Key differences observed between owners/operators and workers included why injuries are underreported and the effects of production pressures on safety. CONCLUSION While there was much agreement, owners/operators and workers in the West Virginia logging industry reported differences in key domains of workplace safety. These differences should be taken into account when designing and implementing safety programs in the logging industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric W. Lundstrom
- West Virginia University Safety and Health Extension West Virginia University Extension Service Morgantown West Virginia USA
| | - Douglas J. Myers
- Department of Community and Environmental Health Boise State University Boise Idaho USA
| | - Wayne J. Lundstrom
- West Virginia University Safety and Health Extension West Virginia University Extension Service Morgantown West Virginia USA
| | - Kimberly J. Rauscher
- Department of Community and Environmental Health Boise State University Boise Idaho USA
| | - Mark Fullen
- West Virginia University Safety and Health Extension West Virginia University Extension Service Morgantown West Virginia USA
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Comprehensive Evaluation System of Occupational Hazard Prevention and Control in Iron and Steel Enterprises Based on A Modified Delphi Technique. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17020667. [PMID: 31968580 PMCID: PMC7013593 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17020667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The study designs a comprehensive evaluation system for the prevention and control of occupational hazards, calculates its weight coefficient, and provides a potential strategic and effective tool for the scientific evaluation of occupational hazards in the iron and steel enterprises. The system was established through induction and analysis of relevant literature, personal interview, theoretical analysis, Delphi expert consultation, and special group discussions. Using an improved analytical hierarchy process fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model and on the basis of the improved Delphi expert investigation, the weight of the operability comprehensive evaluation index system is constructed. A three-level index system is established on the basis of harmful factors of occupational activities, health status of employees, protection facilities of occupational hazards, occupational health management, and so on. The index system structure is 4-20-95, and the weight coefficients of the four dimensions are 0.2516, 0.2428, 0.2550, and 0.2506. The recovery rate of the questionnaire was 82.5%, 100.0%, and 100.0%. The effective rates were 75.0%, 100.0%, and 100.0%. Conversely, the expert authority coefficients of the four dimensions are 0.875, 0.769, 0.832 and 0.800. Results show that the consistency factors of the four dimensions are statistically significant. Cronbach’s α coefficient, standardized Cronbach’s α coefficient, and split-half reliability of the comprehensive evaluation index system are 0.959, 0.950, and 0.810, respectively. After factor analysis, four common factors were extracted on the basis of expert opinions, and the cumulative variance was 63.1%. The comprehensive evaluation system for the prevention and control of occupational hazards in the iron and steel enterprises proposed by the study is relatively complete and reasonable.
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Berumen-Flucker B, Rodriguez A, Cienega L, Douphrate DI, de Porras DGR, Casanova V, Pompeii L. Evaluation of Safety Management and Leadership Training Using Mobile Technologies among Logging Supervisors. J Agromedicine 2019; 24:197-204. [PMID: 30624154 PMCID: PMC7008448 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2019.1567420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Logging is recognized as one of the most dangerous industries in the United States (US), ranking among those with the highest occupational injury and fatality rates. Although logging operations in the Southeastern US have lower rates of injuries and fatalities compared to other regions of the US, due in part to the use of large machinery to fell timber as opposed to chainsaw felling, safety hazards continue to persist. The hazards present in the logging cut sites in which loggers operate may result in worker injury, illness, or fatality. Our objective was to develop, deliver, and evaluate a safety management and leadership training among logging contractors and supervisors using mobile tablets as a personal learning environment. METHODS A safety leadership and management training vignette was developed based on previously collected focus group needs assessment data. A non-random sample of 31 male logging supervisors received the safety leadership and management training on a mobile tablet. Kirkpatrick Levels 1, 2, and 3 training effectiveness evaluations were performed. RESULTS A statistically significant large effect size suggests safety knowledge was gained among training participants when comparing post-test scores to pre-test scores (Level-2). Participants rated their training experience favorably (Level-1), and applied knowledge gained from the training throughout their weekly work activities three months after training (Level-3). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest the utilization of mobile learning techniques can be an effective means to deliver safety management and leadership training content to logging contractors and supervisors. Future trainings should be linguistically and literacy-level appropriate, as well as comprehensive in nature, including meaningful and relevant content. Our observations support the use of mobile devices as just one component of a more comprehensive health and safety management program for workers in the logging industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Berumen-Flucker
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health in San Antonio, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Anabel Rodriguez
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health in San Antonio, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Leeroy Cienega
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health in San Antonio, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - David I. Douphrate
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health in San Antonio, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - David Gimeno Ruiz de Porras
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health in San Antonio, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Vanessa Casanova
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler School of Community and Rural Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Lisa Pompeii
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics & Environmental Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
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Shipp EM, Vasudeo S, Trueblood AB, Garcia TP. Single Vehicle Logging-Related Traffic Crashes in Louisiana from 2010-2015. J Agromedicine 2019; 24:177-185. [PMID: 30634894 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2019.1567422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), highway transportation crashes are the number one cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States. The rate of fatal crashes in logging far exceeds the average annual rate for all sectors combined, yet few studies examine logging-related transportation crashes, and little is known about factors influencing the frequency of these crashes. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with fatal and nonfatal injuries among drivers involved in a single vehicle logging-related crash in Louisiana. METHODS All crashes involving a single logging vehicle from 2010 to 2015 were extracted from a dataset provided by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Descriptive statistics were computed to characterize crashes by person, vehicle, and environmental factors. A multiple logistic regression model was constructed to identify variables associated with driver injury (fatal and non-fatal). RESULTS There were 361 crashes involving a single logging vehicle from 2010 to 2015 in Louisiana. Variables associated with driver injury included no seat belt use (OR = 3.23; 95% CI = 1.47-7.10), a violation issued for careless operation of the vehicle (OR = 3.23; 95% CI = 1.40-7.46), a harmful event classified as cargo or equipment loss or shift (OR = 2.47; 95% CI = 1.27-4.82), and a harmful event classified as the vehicle running off the road to the left (OR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.12-4.70). CONCLUSION Injury prevention efforts in the logging industry in Louisiana, including commercial vehicle licensing procedures, could benefit from additional driver training to improve crash avoidance skills and careless driving, seat belt use, and methods for securing loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Shipp
- a Center for Transportation Safety , Texas A&M Transportation Institute , College Station , TX , USA
| | - Shubhangi Vasudeo
- a Center for Transportation Safety , Texas A&M Transportation Institute , College Station , TX , USA.,b Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics , Texas A&M University , College Station , TX , USA
| | - Amber B Trueblood
- a Center for Transportation Safety , Texas A&M Transportation Institute , College Station , TX , USA
| | - Tanya P Garcia
- c Department of Statistics , Texas A&M University , College Station , TX , USA
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[Labor conditions, risk and health of forestry workers in Misiones, Corrientes and Entre Ríos (Argentina), 2010-2014]. Salud Colect 2019; 14:695-711. [PMID: 30726447 DOI: 10.18294/sc.2018.1564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades in Argentina, forestry activity has seen an important expansion, promoted by the State through incentives encouraging the implantation of forest species. This article examines the working conditions of a number of forestry workers in the three main timber producing provinces of Argentina (Corrientes, Misiones and Entre Ríos). Using data from the Survey on Employment, Social Protection and Labor Conditions of Salaried Agricultural Workers, information on forest workers of the aforementioned provinces was processed and analyzed (n=113). In addition, in-depth interviews with workers (n=30) and forest contractors (n=8), carried out from 2010-2014, contributed to the explanation of the studied phenomenon as a whole. The results show that more than 50% of workers consider themselves exposed to unfavorable conditions in the physical working environment, with 16% having had a work accident in the last year. The high precariousness of this type of employment, in conjunction with the forms of contracting (outsourcing), makes it difficult to identify actions to be taken to reverse the processes analyzed.
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Abstract
Logging entails work in remote areas with multiple hazards and consistently ranks among the most fatal occupations in the United States. Location-sharing (LS) devices that enable users to communicate geographic positions to others have been suggested as a technological approach to improving workplace safety on logging operations. This study investigated logger intent to adopt LS-based safety practices. Employing concepts from the Theory of Planned Behavior, including intent, attitude, norms, and perceived behavioral control, we surveyed Idaho loggers at three logger training programs. We evaluated their likelihood of using LS devices on logging operations and examined factors associated with LS adoption. The results showed that Idaho loggers are likely to use (a) automatic position updates for hand fallers, (b) LS devices on all ground workers and heavy equipment, and (c) LS technology for general situational awareness. Participants also recognized specific safety benefits to LS, particularly for emergency situations, such as communicating the need for help or expediting the discovery of injured coworkers. Our findings support further development of LS technology for logging safety, particularly devices and applications that facilitate injury response for isolated workers, such as hand fallers.
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Bonauto DK, Wuellner SE, Marcum JL, Adams DA. Injury Rate Comparisons for Nonmechanized and Mechanized Logging Operations, Washington State, 2005-2014. J Agromedicine 2019; 24:205-214. [DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2019.1566106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David K. Bonauto
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, SHARP, Olympia, WA, USA
| | - Sara E. Wuellner
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, SHARP, Olympia, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Marcum
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, SHARP, Olympia, WA, USA
| | - Darrin A. Adams
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, SHARP, Olympia, WA, USA
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Occupational Safety and Health Concerns in Logging: A Cross-Sectional Assessment in Virginia. FORESTS 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/f8110440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Rosecrance J, Lagerstrom E, Murgia L. Job Factors Associated with Occupational Injuries and Deaths in the United States Forestry Industry. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING TRANSACTIONS 2017; 58:115-120. [PMID: 37538989 PMCID: PMC10398574 DOI: 10.3303/cet1758020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Work in the forestry industry is recognised internationally as high risk for occupational injuries and deaths. Forestry logging operations generally involve felling trees, skidding (moving trees and logs from the stump to the point of delivery), and transporting trees to mills. Loggers need to recognize the hazards associated with identifying dangerous (dead) trees, felling, delimbing, bucking, debarking, chipping, skidding, yarding, loading, unloading, and transporting logs. The purpose of this study was to determine the specific work conditions and job factors that workers identified as greatest risk for injury or death in logging operations in the intermountain region of Montana and Idaho. The study investigators recruited professional loggers through logging companies and professional logging associations in the states of Idaho and Montana. The professional loggers were asked to participate in focus group meetings regarding their perception of the association between logging tasks and logging injuries / deaths. One focus group session of 16 participants for 90 minutes was conducted and moderated by the investigators. The focus group moderator posed a series of questions designed to promote group discussion regarding logging practices and injuries. Injury data from workers' compensation reports was also shared with the participants and served as a basis for the focus group questions. Felling trees was often associated with injuries sustained from falling branches. Conventional chainsaw logging and skyline skidding were perceived as high-risk processes. Loggers indicated that being struck by the carriage attached to the skyline was a significant risk. Other risks identified included being hit by the butt of swinging trees when that became snagged or caught on tree stumps as they were being skidded up the slope. Workers identified working on steep slopes as well as working in below freezing temperatures as a major risk for injury. Physical fatigue while performing strenuous work for 8-10 hours was also identified as a risk for injury. The results of this study identified work conditions (extreme cold temperatures, steep incline of mountain slope), as well as job factors (felling trees, skyline skidding, driving logging trucks) that professional loggers perceived as contributing to increased risk for occupational related injury and death. The conditions and factors identified will be used to target interventions that reduce the risk of logging injuries in the future. Due to the remote nature of the logging work in this region, emergency first-aid training among the crewmembers was thought to be a critical part of logging safety. A culture promoting safety was also stressed for professional loggers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Rosecrance
- Colorado State University, Occupational Ergonomics and Safety Program, 1681 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA 80523
| | - Elise Lagerstrom
- Colorado State University, Occupational Ergonomics and Safety Program, 1681 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA 80523
| | - Lelia Murgia
- University of Sassari, Dipartimento di AGRARIA, Viale Italia 39 - 07100 Sassari, Italy
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