Logging is among the most dangerous occupations. In a recent year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported over 14,000 injuries per 100,000 full-time workers, compared to only 8,000 per 100,000 workers for the private sector as a whole.[1] The logging industry experiences a fatality rate 23 times higher than all US workers according to the CDC.[2] In 2006 the fatality rate in the logging industry was more than 30 times the all-worker rate.[3]
According to the CDC, many workers and employers do not follow OSHA standards that would prevent many injuries and deaths.[4]
Employers are generally immune from civil liability for work-place injury. Not all workers are covered by L&I (a/k/a/ worker’s comp)—contract workers, for example. In those situations, the logging company would not be immune from liability for injuries. Worker’s comp immunity does not extend to manufacturers if a design or manufacturing defect causes injury.
If you have been injured in the logging industry, consult with an attorney to learn about your rights.
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/95-101/default.html
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/95-101/default.html
[3] https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-7/the-facts-of-the-faller-occupational-injuries-illnesses-and-fatalities-to-loggers-2006-2015.htm