TRAUMATIC WORK-RELATED FATALITIES IN FORESTRY AND SAWMILL WORKERS IN AUSTRALIA

Work-related traumatic forestry and sawmill fatalities were studied as part of a larger study of all work-related traumatic fatalities in Au stralia from 1982 to 1984. Data on 79 cases were obtained from inspect ion of coroners' files. The fatality incidence per 100,000 person-year s was extremely high for loggers (396), and high for forest service wo rkers (52) and workers employed in sawmills (30), compared to the enti re Australian workforce (8.1). Felling/trimming trees, traffic-related activities and operating heavy machinery (forestry workers) and loadi ng/unloading logs and operating bench saws (sawmill workers) were the most common tasks being performed at the time of the fatal injury. Bei ng struck by a falling tree, often one that had been disturbed by the tree being felled, was the most common mechanism of fatal injury. Isol ation, poor work practice, errors of judgement, and equipment problems were the most common contributing factors to the fatal incidents. Emp hasis on correct work practice and training (especially in felling), e quipment maintenance, and availability of communication and medical re trieval in isolated areas are recommended.