Fatal logging injuries in Washington state, 1977 to 1983

The logging fatalities in Washington state during the years 1977 to 1983 were analyzed using death certificates and the investigations of the Washington Department of Labor and Industries. Each source identified more than 92% of the 135 fatalities. The annual injury mortality rate for logging was approximately 2/1,000 workers. Loggers were killed by falling trees in 34% of fatalities and by equipment in 24% of fatalities. None of the 12 men killed in vehicle rollovers were wearing seat belts. Risk was greatest for tree fellers and choker-setters. Risk was also greatest during the morning, during the first two days of the workweek, and during the month of June. Size of logging company was inversely related to risk of injury, with the smallest companies having mortality ratios ten times higher than the largest companies. The study suggests that routinely collected occupational data on injuries and employment can be combined to identify high-risk categories in specific industries and thereby target inspection activities or suggest new regulations addressing specific occupational hazards.