Nonfatal logging-related injuries in West Virginia

A survey was conducted via mail among West Virginia certified loggers to determine the number of nonfatal, logging-related injuries received during the past 12 months that required medical attention or restricted job ability. Loggers were asked to describe injuries, safety training, and protective equipment use. Thirty percent (546/1816) responded to the survey, and 9% (42/481) of those directly involved in logging operations reported injuries. Leading cause of injury was being struck by a falling tree or limb (29%); leading body parts injured were the leg/knee/hip (31%); and the most common type of injury was bruising (43%). Seventy-six percent of the injured sought medical treatment. A majority reported using some type of protective equipment including hard hats, safety shoes, and goggles. Loggers reported that training in the proper use of equipment and machinery; use of a safety plan, acting on worker suggestions, and landing talks might improve safety.