Timbersafe
Background (problem)
- 2013 fatal work injuries in forestry and logging were the highest since 2008.
- West Virginia loggers are more than twice as likely to be fatally injured on the job as loggers across the US.
- West Virginia loggers and owners participate in a required statewide logger best practices program.
- A very small portion of this training addresses worker safety.
- One employee per company is required to attend the training.
- There is no evidence that the safety information makes it back to the worksite.
Program Overview
- Funded by NIOSH and SouthEast Center for Agricultural Health and Injury Prevention (University of KY).
- WVU Safety and Health Extension overseers
- 15 Phase I and 15 Phase II logging companies to be recruited.
Timber Safe Program Overview
- A logging safety management program based on a proven method that reduces hazards on the worksite.
- Will enhance current safety and health management systems
- Includes a full circle approach that measures the hazards controlled on the work site over time
- Provides feedback to logger to correct or control hazards
Timber Safe Program Elements
- A company safety program that meets Timber-Safe requirements
- Train all employees and owners (4 hours)
- Responsibilities for on-site supervisor
- Be available for audits of jobsites by WVU.
WVU Duties
- Conduct training
- Conduct work site audits once every 9 weeks on mobile device
- Provide audit feedback and suggested corrections
- Market the contractors to potential clients, region, insurers.
- Assist contractors in safety needs (consultation)
Logging Site Audits – Timber Safe App
- Develop downloadable field audit app
- Instrument Scores Program Elements and Site Conditions and Practices
- Used to evaluate the intervention and provide feedback for continuous improvement
- Measurement instrument Programmed into a universal mobile phone application