Addressing Persistent Logging Hazards Through Accessible Yarding and Loading Safety Training

Area of Science:

• Occupational Safety and Health
• Forestry Science
• Workforce Development

Background:

• Logging is a high-risk industry, particularly yarding and loading operations.
• Oregon experiences a significant number of serious and fatal logging injuries from these activities.
• There is a need for accessible, foundational safety training for new logging workers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of a new online safety training program for Oregon's logging sector.
• To provide a free, bilingual, self-paced resource to supplement employer-provided safety instruction.
• To enhance safety for early-career workers in hazardous logging operations.

Main Methods:

• Adapted content from the Oregon OSHA Yarding and Loading Handbook.
• Developed a free, bilingual, self-paced online training module.
• Ensured the training is accessible and mobile-friendly.
• Translated technical guidance into an easy-to-understand format.

Main Results:

• A new online training resource, the Oregon Yarding and Loading Safety Training, has been developed and implemented.
• The training is designed to be accessible, bilingual, and self-paced, supplementing existing safety protocols.
• It aims to address the specific risks of yarding and loading operations in the logging industry.

Conclusions:

• The Oregon Yarding and Loading Safety Training provides a valuable, accessible resource for early-career loggers.
• This initiative supports workforce development by enhancing safety in a hazardous industry.
• The training model has potential for broader application in forest operations safety training nationally.