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Enhancing Safety and Reducing Incidents in Challenging Work Conditions

Over the past few months, we have seen an increase in incidents within the forestry industry, specifically involving drivers slipping and tripping on jobsites. While failing to use three points of contact when entering or exiting equipment remains a common cause of injury, many recent incidents have involved drivers walking around on the loading deck.

The combination of wet, snowy, and icy conditions during this time of year has contributed to a higher occurrence of these incidents. To mitigate these risks, consider implementing the following safety measures.

Key Safety Guidelines to Stay Safe

In recent months, there have been several incidents involving trucks making left turns across four-lane intersections. These incidents frequently occur when trucks with trailers try to navigate turn lanes or medians too small to accommodate their length, causing the trailer or load to extend into oncoming traffic lanes. To prevent these incidents, continue reading to learn more about the risks, how to plan your route, and key safety guidelines.

Real-Life Lesson: Learning from a Skidder Safety Incident

In a recent pine-thinning operation, a grapple skidder approached the loading deck while a deckman was topping trees nearby. Due to the tight space, the skidder needed to make a sharp turn. Regrettably, during this maneuver, the skidder backed up onto a tree within the deck, leading to the worker being struck while topping the tree. This is a stark reminder of the critical need to always be mindful of ground personnel.

The Importance of Adequate Planning and Preparation

Transporting forestry equipment can be an extremely dangerous task, and it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved in moving large, heavy machinery. Adequate planning and preparation are essential to ensure that the transportation process goes smoothly and without any accidents or damage to the equipment.