Temporary Staffing – Common Risks for Logging Industry
With heavy trees and sharp equipment, the logging industry can be dangerous for workers. This is especially true for temporary workers, who might not receive the necessary safety training. For temporary workers in the logging industry, some common risks include:
Falling trees and limbs
- In logging, one unique risk is falling trees and tree limbs. If workers do not take the right precautions or are not fully aware of their surroundings, they can be struck by falling trees or other limbs, which can cause serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
Chainsaw accidents
- Temporary workers in logging might often use chainsaws. But while they are an integral logging tool, chainsaws pose many safety risks, especially if workers are not properly trained or don’t have the necessary protective equipment. If a worker is involved in a chainsaw accident, they can suffer from serious injuries, like traumatic amputation.
Heavy machinery accidents
- Along with chainsaws, temporary workers in the logging industry might also use other types of heavy or dangerous machinery. Commonly used logging machinery includes skidders, loaders, and bulldozers. If machinery is improperly or unsafely used, it can lead to tip-over accidents, struck-by accidents, and other serious accidents.
Slip-and-falls
- Logging worksites can have many slip-and-fall hazards, from equipment on the ground to wet and muddy outdoor conditions. This increases the risk of slip-and-fall accidents, which can lead to injuries like back pain, paralysis, and more.
Dangerous weather
- Since they often work outdoors, temporary workers in the logging industry can suffer from weather-related injuries and illnesses. In hot weather, common illnesses include heatstroke, heat rash, and dehydration. In cold or wet conditions, temporary workers might suffer from conditions like hypothermia or frostbite.
Chemical exposure
- Sometimes, logging industry workers might use chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. If workers are frequently or intensely exposed to chemicals like these, it can cause health issues like skin irritation, eye irritation, and respiratory conditions.
How to Protect Your Temporary Workers in the Logging Industry
If you’re a business owner in the temporary staffing industry and want to protect your workers from logging industry injuries, there are a few steps you can take.
- Offer adequate safety training. To prevent common injuries and accidents, make sure your workers are properly trained on logging industry safety, like how to safely operate chainsaws and other machinery.
- Provide the right PPE. Workers may benefit from personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves or goggles. Be sure to provide your workers with all necessary PPE, and offer any necessary training on how to properly use PPE.
- Look for risks. Stay on top of risk management duties to look out for common risks, like poorly maintained machinery or slippery surfaces. Through risk management, you can identify and address issues before they cause serious accidents.
You should also have comprehensive Workers’ Compensation coverage to protect your business and your temporary workers. With the right coverage, you can reduce workplace accident risks and create a safer workplace environment for all, including temporary workers.
At Work Comp Business Insurance Solutions, we help temporary staffing business owners find the best Workers’ Compensation and payroll solutions. To learn more about our services and how we can help your temporary staffing business, visit us online at https://www.wcbis.com.
