An Analysis of Timber Harvesting Injuries and Prevention Mechanisms in the Southeastern US, 1996-2006
In order to better define safety needs in forestry and logging, this 24-month project aims to investigate timber harvesting injuries and prevention mechanisms in the southeastern United States over a 10-year period from 1996-2006. Data will be generated from injury claims compiled by multiple participating workers compensation insurance carriers. The study will build upon similar analyses conducted in 1996 and 2001 by the co-PI, Robert M. Shaffer, PhD. A new analysis of 2006 injury claims will provide an updated 5-year data point and allow for the determination of injury trends over a 10-year period. The researchers plan to conduct an analysis that attempts to correlate injury statistics with the type and frequency of logger training programs throughout the region. Currently, no data exists to define the relationship between training and reduced injury rates. This information will be a significant advancement in the field and will aid in the development of more effectively targeted training and injury prevention programs for foresters and harvesting contractors.
For more information contact Chad Bolding, PhD, Assistant Professor, Forest Operations/Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 540-231-6924