The critical need for improved enumeration and surveillance of the logging workforce

A mixed-methods analysis of logging injuries in Montana and Idaho

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.

Developing Surveillance Methodology for Agricultural and Logging Injury in New Hampshire Using Electronic Administrative Data Sets

OBJECTIVE

Agriculture and logging rank among industries with the highest rates of occupational fatality and injury. Establishing a nonfatal injury surveillance system is a top priority in the National Occupational Research Agenda. Sources of data such as patient care reports (PCRs) and hospitalization data have recently transitioned to electronic databases.

METHODS

Using narrative and location codes from PCRs, along with International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, external cause of injury codes (E-codes) in hospital data, researchers are designing a surveillance system to track farm and logging injury.

RESULTS

A total of 357 true agricultural or logging cases were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that it is possible to identify agricultural and logging injury events in PCR and hospital data. Multiple data sources increase catchment; nevertheless, limitations in methods of identification of agricultural and logging injury contribute to the likely undercount of injury events.