Protection of the head and eyes in forestry work

The helmet used in forestry work is the same as that in industrial use. The eye protector, which is usually a face shield made from wire mesh, is fastened to the helmet. The aim of the present study was the clarification of the frequency of use of, the protection afforded by, and the need for improvement in the helmet and eye protector. A questionnaire, an interview, observations, accident and near-accident reports, and user and laboratory tests were used for this purpose. Eighty-eight percent of loggers always use a helmet, and 32% an eye protector. According to official statistics and the questionnaire, in 1980, 8 to 15 of every 100 accidents in logging injured the head or eyes. Loggers reported that the helmet was too hot in summer and too cold in winter. The low utilization rate for eye protectors is partly explained by design defects. The protectors become frosted in the winter; there is poor visibility through the protectors when it rains or is dark; the protectors cause glare in sunshine. Product development seems to be necessary so that the helmet and eye protector can better fulfill the special requirements of forestry work.