Did you know that according to the CDC, poison ivy grows in every state except Alaska and Hawaii? Given its widespread existence, most people will be exposed to this poison plant at least once, if not often in their lives. According to the American Skin Association, poison ivy affects as many as 50 million Americans each year. Although some may not be allergic, 85% of people experience physical reactions such as rashes, swelling, and blisters.
According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, out-of-adjustment brakes and brake system violations combine to represent half of all out-of-service violations issued for commercial vehicles on the road. Brake systems that are improperly installed or poorly maintained can reduce the braking capacity and stopping distance of commercial motor vehicles, creating a serious safety risk. In fact, brakes were listed in FMCSA's top 20 Out-of-Service Violations.
According to OSHA, next to felling, skidding is the most dangerous part of a logging operation. Skidding hazards include moving equipment, moving and rolling logs, cable releases, cable-related cuts and punctures, and rollovers. Good communication and safe work practices must be followed to get the timber to the loading area safely. Follow these good management practices for skidding.
Highway workers are exposed to dangers at road and highway construction projects from the motoring public and construction equipment such as excavators, loaders, and dump trucks. Between 2016 and 2017, there were 275 worker fatalities in work zones. Most of these fatalities are due to run-overs or back-overs by construction equipment. Work zone safety is everyone's responsibility.
Manual material handling is the lifting, pushing, pulling, and prying of items; and can often cause injury. In fact, it's one of the leading causes of injury in the construction industry. These injuries typically are soft tissue injuries to the back, neck, shoulder, and other joints. In 2001, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that over 36 percent of injuries involving missed workdays were due to shoulder and back injuries.
When proper safety procedures and equipment are not used, workers in the logging industry are at a high risk of injury and death. National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities reported that 59 percent of all logging-related deaths occurred when workers were struck by falling or flying objects or were caught in or between objects. Good Management Practices are designed to help manage risks and keep loggers safe on the job. Here are some of our recommended good management practices for safety in loading logs.
Looking for a long-term partner that works hard for you and your business? Contact a local BITCO agent today.
BITCO Headquarters
3700 Market Square Circle
Davenport, Iowa 52807
Phone: 800.475.4477
Fax: 844.233.7299
BITCO Insurance Companies
3700 Market Square Circle
Davenport, Iowa 52807
Phone: 800.475.4477
Fax: 844.233.7299
