Research Brief #9

Workers' Compensation Injuries for Logging Operations in Louisiana: 1985-1990
Louisiana Forest Products Development Center
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA

Research Objectives

Logging is one of the most dangerous of all occupations, and workers' compensation insurance premiums are so high that they almost double the cost of labor for many logging operations in Louisiana. The objective of this study is to look at the nature and trends of the severe injuries in the state's logging industry. An understanding of the most frequent injuries and illnesses on a state-wide basis would enable those involved in logging operations, insurance companies and loss prevention programs to clarify the nature of worker injury problems and to detect information that may be useful in reducing accident rates or severity.

Synopsis of Results

The number of reported workers' compensation injuries in logging operations in Louisiana has decreased at a time when the number of employees in logging has increased. Employees with less than three years of employment accounted for 82% of all claims. Cuts and lacerations are decreasing while sprains and strains are increasing. Back injuries and falls are also significant. 20% of claimants were truck drivers. The lower extremities are most vulnerable to injuries in logging operations.

Employee fatalities in logging have decreased from a high of 9 deaths in 1985 to 5 per year from 1987 through 1990. Falling trees were the most frequent cause of fatalities. Highway and non-highway accidents, including moving objects or collision with another non-highway vehicle, also were major events that resulted in fatalities.

Conclusions

Strict policies must be adhered to concerning lodged trees and limbs. Truck drivers must be taught that they are clearly not immune from accidents. As the use of the chain saw diminishes, the shift toward other types of accidents should be reflected in the accident prevention program. For example, lacerations are no longer the most common type of major accidents. Instead, strains and sprains (28%) have become prevalent. Moreover, with back injuries accounting for fifteen percent of all injuries. Prevention of these injuries must be taught.

New employees must be indoctrinated with a distinct safety program. While many job skills can be learned on the job, safety must not be one of them. The consequences are too grave. A separate three-tiered safety program is suggested:

1. a formal safety indoctrination on the first day of the job consisting of films, literature to read at home, a review of selected accidents and required safety equipment;
2. an overall safety program for all workers which may consist of monthly meetings, formal accident investigations with reports, safety inspections, posters, rewards for safe performance, etc.;
3. and a more frequent (daily or weekly) intense safety sub-program.

Although such a program may seem costly to the company, a major accident is far more costly. In addition, formal training of all new employees, annual re-training and monthly safety meetings are now OSHA requirements.

Researchers

Cornelis F. de Hoop, Assistant Professor
Louisiana Forest Products Development Center
Baton Rouge, LA

John C. Pine, Professor
LSU Public Administration Institute
Baton Rouge, LA

Brian D. Marx, Associate Professor
Department of Experimental Statistics
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA

Target Group

Loggers, wood dealers, log supply managers, timberland managers, logger insurers, loss prevention specialists.

Methodology

The primary sources of data were claims reported to the Louisiana Office of Workers' Compensation. The records analyzed in this study are the first report of injury or illness claim which employers or insurance carriers must submit, by law, to state workers' compensation agencies. All states require such "First Reports" and each is similar to the Occupational Safety  and Health Administration's (OSHA) "Supplementary Record of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses" (OSHA No. 101).

The data presented in this report are based on reportable claims (fatality, a permanent disability, a disability resulting in eight or more lost workdays) which were received by the Office of Workers' Compensation between 1985 and 1990 for employees covered under the Louisiana Workers'   Compensation Act.