Mark
C. Vodak
Rutgers Cooperative
Extension
One of the joys
for many landowners of owning and managing woodlands is
working in the woodlot. For these owners, doing their own road
and skidtrail location, timber stand improvement, thinning,
planting, wildlife habitat enhancement, and, in some cases,
even their own harvesting, are an integral part of woodland
ownership.
Just as
with any other business or farm operation, safety on-the-job
in the woodlot is an important consideration. It is important
to note that chain saw accidents, alone, acount for some
15,000 injuries annually in the U.S. Working safely in the
woods should be a concern for all woodland owners, regardless
of the extent or degree to which they do their own management
activities. Ideally, working safely in the woodlot should
become both necessary and second nature.
The
following is a guide or checklist for working safely in the
woods. Much of it is common sense, and most of the items are
simple and easy to do; but they all lead to safer and more
pleasant work experiences in the woods:
- Carefully plan all activities.
- Notify
someone of your plans: where you plan to be, when, what you
are doing, when you plan to return.
- Carry
a first aid kit; if not with or on you, at least in your
vehicle.
- Wear
appropriate clothing for the task at hand:
- dress warmly in cold temperatures; layering when
necessary;
- wear
cool clothing in hot temperatures;
- wear
proper or loose-fitting clothing to allow for ease of
movement for certain activities such as walking or
loading;
- wear
tighter-fitting clothing when working with certain
machinery, such as chain saws;
- use
appropriate protective clothing, again depending on the
task.
- In
tick country be knowledgeable about lyme disease and aware
of the steps to avoid problems, including repellents.
- If you
know you have allergic reactions to bee stings, carry a
sting treatment kit with you; and carry it with you into
the woods, dont leave it behind in your vehicle.
- Be
aware of any other venomous insects or animals in your area,
be able to recognize them, and know what to do if stung or
bitten.
- Avoid
dehydration and heat prostration; know the symptoms and how
to treat them; always take and drink plenty of water.
- Stay
alert; think; take rest/water breaks frequently.
- Pack
nutritious lunches/snacks for long work days; combined with
nos. 8 and 9 above, helps fight fatigue, which is a factor
in many accidents.
- Properly maintain all equipment and tools, keeping
sharp tools sharp, since they work better that way; proper
maintenance assures better efficiency, production and lowers
accident potential.
- Acquire and use the proper safety equipment for the
task at hand: hardhats, ear protection, eye protection,
gloves, boots and steel-toed boots, chaps and other
protective clothing when using a chain saw.
- Select
and use a chain saw that has all the current and modern
safety features such as a chain brake, hand guard, chain
catcher, safety chain, and vibration-absorbing handle.
- Avoid
heavy woods work in inclement weather.
- Do not
drink alcoholic beverages when working in the woods.
- Plan
ahead: in event of an accident know where the closest
possible assistance is located.
Working
in the woods can certainly be satisfying and rewarding for
woodland owners. Just remember to always work safely in the
woods, and that planning and common-sense are key.
Before
undertaking any activity in the woods, it is also advisable to
first discuss it with your professional forester.
So for
you landowners who are able and so-inclined, have at it! And
work safely!
Disclaimer and Reproduction Information: Information
in NASD does not represent NIOSH policy. Information included
in NASD appears by permission of the author and/or copyright
holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This document is
FS593
, a series of the
Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Rutgers, the State University
of New Jersey. Publication date: September 1991.
Mark
C. Vodak, Extension Specialist in Forestry, Rutgers, the State
University of New Jersey, PO Box 231, New Brunswick, NJ
08903-0231.
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