How often and what types of injuries do we experience because of topographical hazards?
Fall from elevated working area-11% (example working in a bucket truck or performing tree climbing)
Struck by falling tree or limb-10%
Fall on level ground-11%
Vehicular related accidents-7%
Other-51% (this includes injuries related to forestry equipment such as chainsaws, also includes heat related problems such as heat exhaustion, and includes other motion injuries)
In the year 2000, there were more than 3300 accidents in the United States related to the forestry industry. In 2009, that number has fallen to just over 1500. The reason for this decrease in accidents is partly because of a 35% decrease in the forestry workforce during the same time period, and partly due to improved safety efforts from the forest industry. (http://www2.worksafebc.com/Portals/Forestry/Statistics.asp)
What are some of the topographical hazards to watch out for in the forest?
In the forest, there are numerous topographical hazards to watch out for. A topographical hazard is a threat of accident or injury caused by a characteristic of the earth’s surface. Topographical hazards also include accidents caused by our natural resources such as falling trees or avalanches.
Some examples of topographical hazards include:
Stump hole, a hole in the ground caused by the rotting of a tree stump. Sometimes the outer portion of the tree will still be present. These holes are often covered by leaves, straw, or other debris making them undetectable when walking through the forest.
Water well, a large hole once dug for the purpose of obtaining water from the ground. Water wells were once common on home sites and farms as a source of water. Wells were often covered, instead of filled, once plumbing became available. These water wells may be hundreds of feet deep on occasion.
Ponds, Rivers, lakes-Bodies of water create significant threats to forest workers. Workers may encounter difficulties when crossing either on foot or using machinery.
Cliffs or sudden drop-offs, very steep hills that a forest worker may fall down causing injury.
What can I do to avoid being hurt in the forest?
There are several things you can do to avoid being injured in the forest. Following just a few simple tips can keep you from becoming an injury statistic.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is equipment designed to help keep you safe. Examples include steel toe high lace boots, hard hats, safety glasses, etc.
Stay Alert! Don’t daydream while in the woods. Keep your mind sharp as you walk through the woods.
Be able to recognize dangerous situations such as stump holes, old wells, dead limbs hung in the canopy, dead trees, bodies of waters, bluffs, low hanging limbs. Etc.
Conduct yourself in a safe manner. Do not run or horseplay in the woods. If you are playing around you may overlook a potential hazard.
Actively look for hazards! There is a difference in always and actively. Always looking simply means your eyes are open. Actively looking means you are search for dangers. You are looking at every obstacle for any potential hazard it may have.
Be aware of other people around you and what they are doing. Keep an eye on others to be sure they are not putting themselves or you in danger. Be careful when working near others that may be cutting trees.
Use Topographical maps to identify potential hazards. Topographical maps are maps that show the earth’s surface including bodies of water, elevation change, structures, orchards, swamps, etc. By knowing the symbols and elevations on a topographical map, you will be able to identify hazards before you reach them. The lines on a topographical map indicate a change of 10’ in elevation. The closer together the lines are, the steeper the terrain is.
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