Our Blog

Timely briefs on topics specific to the industries BITCO serves. Subjects include worker safety, worksite hazards, best practices, new research, industry updates, regulations, public liability, property protection and more.

Slips and Falls in the Logging Industry

| August 23, 2022

Good Practices to Keep on Your Feet and Stay on the Job

Slips and trips are common causes of workplace injuries. The CDC reports in 2019, 27% of nonfatal work injuries that lead to days away from work were due to slips, trips, and falls. The logging industry is no exception. Continue reading to learn more about common hazards of slips and falls in the logging industry and good practices to keep your crew safe.

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Lockout/Tagout for the Oilfield

| August 2, 2022

Prevent Injuries and Fatalities from Uncontrolled Energy Release

There often seems to be some confusion on the control of hazardous energy, also known as Lockout/Tagout or LO/TO. Directly in the OSHA 1910 General Industry, under the scope of applications, it mentions the standard does not cover Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing. Anyone looking for safety rules will typically look at OSHA first. If they see something is exempt, their search might stop there.

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Warning! Beware of Ticks

| July 19, 2022

Tick Protection and Prevention

Did you know that Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne diseases in the United States? Each year, an estimated 30,000 cases are reported, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Outdoor workers who work in certain areas are more at risk for tick-related diseases and should protect themselves.

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Personal Protective Equipment for Loggers

| July 5, 2022

Heat Exhaustion - Water 

Most of the time, when listening to a safety topic concerning Personal Protective Equipment, most think of items such as hard hats, hi-visibility vests or shirts, gloves, eye protection, hearing, and footwear related to the type of industry you are working. However, PPE can be in the form of anything that provides protection - whether on a construction or timber harvesting work site, in sawmill manufacturing, or simply in a remote forestry setting. PPE is also relevant to environmental conditions. During this time of the year, temperatures start to soar from the mid to high heat ranges, even starting early mornings in some locations.

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Heat Stress Concerns for Oil & Gas Workers

| June 21, 2022

Beat the Heat with Our Recommended Job Site Practices

What Is Heat Stress, How Does It Happen, and Who Is Affected? 

Each year, thousands of employees become sick from heat exposure while on the job. Oil and gas workers are no exception, as they often get exposed to high temperatures and humidity at the job site. Heat stress occurs when a worker's body temperature rises above safe limits. When the body can't control its temperature, the body temperature rises, sweating fails, and the heart rate increases.

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Tornado Safety at the Job Site

| June 7, 2022

Recommendations to Prepare Your Business and Employees

Tornadoes are the most unpredictable and destructive weather systems on Earth and can occur at any time of day and any time of year. In 2021, there were 1,376 tornadoes and 103 deaths in the United States, compared with 1,082 in 2020 with 76 deaths, according to preliminary data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. There is no guaranteed safety during a tornado, but you can take steps to prepare your employees. The more prepared a business and its employees are, the higher the chances of survival.

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