Why is Logging the Most Dangerous Job in America?

The timber industry is vital to the American economy, and everyone depends on the products that come from timber to function in the modern world. But behind this industry is a group of some of the bravest men and women in our entire workforce.

Although the timber business provides a lot of benefits to West Virginia, it is not without its dangers. Logging always makes the list of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in America, this year coming in at number two. Anytime you are cutting down giant trees that could crush even the tallest and strongest workers, there is a risk of something going seriously wrong. But another danger in the industry that is sometimes overlooked is logging truck accidents.

On average, crashes involving big rig trucks happen frequently in the United States, and unfortunately, log trucks are one of the biggest culprits. When a logging company is hauling a load of timber that is not properly secured, it can result in disastrous consequences. And this is especially true in states like West Virginia where we have so many winding mountainous roads.

Clearly, there are many inherent risks involved with being a logger, but is the industry doing enough to protect its workers? In many respects, unfortunately, the answer to that question is “no”. All too often, timber companies put profits over people, cutting corners at the expense of their workers’ safety.

If you or a loved one was injured or killed as a timber industry worker, you need a strong legal advocate in your corner fighting hard for the just compensation you deserve.

Timber companies know that their industry is dangerous, but instead of spending their resources on worker safety, they divert many precious dollars into their legal team so they can fight the legitimate claims of their injured workers. For this reason, it is very important to have an experienced legal team of your own that is not intimidated by the industry’s vast resources, and one that has the proven ability to hold these companies fully accountable for their negligence.

Why is Logging So Dangerous?

Logging is a physically demanding job. Workers spend all day in the woods cutting up trees, often working in very high places while in a fast-paced environment. This type of job is definitely not for everyone, and not even for most people. But thankfully, there are those who embrace this type of work despite the risks.

And risks, there are many. Not only could you fall out of the tree, you could also have a tree fall down on you. And every logger knows that it is hard to control the momentum of a tree and which direction it will fall. Then there’s the equipment that is used. Chainsaws, logging machines, a lot of tools and machinery with sharp edges.  Add to that the possibility of truck accidents, and you can see why logging is so dangerous.

If you don’t stay on top of everything, someone can easily get hurt. And this is where timber companies are falling short. In an industry like this, hiring qualified workers, extensively training them and properly supervising them is of the utmost importance. But like many other industries in today’s tight job market, it is hard to find good workers.

In many ways, this becomes sort of a “catch 22.” You need good workers, and an abundance of them, to help make the industry safer. But younger workers have a lot of options these days, and when they see how dangerous logging is, they often choose a different profession. The end result is fewer workers who work longer hours and are continually under an enormous amount of stress. This means less supervision and a greater likelihood of injuries and fatalities occurring.

Timber companies can help improve the situation by following all governments safety regulations, making sure all workers are trained, supervised, and using the most up-to-date safety equipment, and investing more to attract good workers to the industry and retain the quality workers they already have. 

The industry should also go a step further by pushing for more safety regulations and investing in better and safer tools and machinery for their workers to use. These types of changes can help create a less dangerous environment for logging workers, which should be everyone’s goal.

Call Bailey, Javins, and Carter L.C. for Help with Logging Injury or Death Claims

If you or someone close to you was injured or killed as a logger, you may have a right to compensation. These types of cases can be complicated, however, and there are several potential sources of compensation, depending on the state the injury occurred in and other specific circumstances. This is why you need attorneys who not only have personal injury experience, but also specific experience successfully pursuing claims on behalf of injured logging workers.

At Bailey, Javins, and Carter L.C., we have stood up for timber industry workers since 1970, and we have the knowledge, skills, resources, and commitment to help ensure that our clients recover the full and fair compensation they deserve. Call our office today at (800) 497-0234 or (800) 296-6979 or message us online to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.