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Truck Drivers

Bryan Wagner

Each day you and thousands of individuals head to work in the
forest product industries. We are exposed to all types of hazards
and they are all around us whether you are in the woods, at the land-
ing, driving a truck, at the mill or whatever position your job requires.

One area that gains negative attention both locally and nationally
is when a “Log Truck” is involved in an accident.

Sometimes, the accident is the result of another driver that
caused the incident, sometimes, it is the truck driver themselves.
No matter who is at fault, the news will always describe it as a
“Log Truck” accident and the public almost always assumes it is
the truck driver’s fault.
Every time a loaded log truck drives on a public highway, it is an This is a poor advertisement for you and your commitment to
advertisement for your company. What have you done to im- safety. Imagine your family member in a car along-side or fol-
prove your image? Have you put your best foot forward? Is the lowing this log truck.
truck clean and debris removed so it does not get flung at other
vehicles? Do the tires have adequate tread so they do not disin- Once the driver leaves the rutted woods area, it is recom-
tegrate and become airborne projectiles? Is the load secured and mended that he or she stop and check the load securement.
trimmed properly to prevent limbs or other objects from falling Each person on the logging crew should be aware how simple
off in transit? it is for one thing to be overlooked.

If you take a few seconds to look over the loaded truck before it • Loader operators must properly place logs to minimize
departs the job, some of the horrific accidents we have all seen movement in route to the mills.
on television might not have occurred. • Drivers must inspect their loads and not take loads that
are unsafe.
A simple check to help put your best foot forward could include:
• Employers must instill a safety mindset that a few extra
• no loose debris, minutes to fix this type of error could be a lifesaving step.
• no free hanging limbs,
• no excessive mud, Unfortunately, if it is not fixed, it could be a devastating loss
• no logs over the standards, of life or property, or be a legal nightmare.
• properly chained or strapped loads, Take time to make sure it is right before it leaves your control.
• and proper flagging and/or lights. KEEP YOUR EMPLOYEES AND THE PUBLIC SAFE SO YOU DO
NOT BECOME A LAWYER’S RETIREMENT PLAN!

2018 Safety Meeting Record
2018 Safety Meeting Record
Date:_______________ Company:__________________________________________

Names and signatures of ALL attendees to be attached.

Conducted by:(signature) ___________________________________________

Vol 29 Issue 3 2018 l SWPA Out of the Woods l swpa.ag l 17