Agriculture/Forestry/Fishing

Portland, OR – The forestry and logging industry in Oregon, together with the transportation industry, accounted for 30 of the 62 worker fatalities recorded by the Oregon Occupational Fatality and Assessment and Control Evaluation Program in 2014, according to OR-FACE’s recently published annual report.

Raleigh, NC – More than two dozen pesticides – including the most commonly used herbicide – are associated with respiratory wheeze among male farmers, according to a recent study from North Carolina State University.

Washington – A single policy on the use of chain saws and crosscut saws on National Forest Service lands has replaced nine regional policies and certification requirements, the U.S. Forest Service recently announced.

Atlanta – Strategies for preventing worker suicide are needed, researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claim in a new report detailing the rates of self-inflicted death among U.S. workers.

Washington – Two new fact sheets from OSHA provide information intended to protect workers from combustible dust explosion hazards and agricultural emergencies.

Washington – OSHA has scheduled an informal stakeholder meeting to discuss the hazards associated with tree care operations, as it considers creating a proposed rule to protect workers in the industry.

Montreal – In an effort to prevent falls overboard among lobster-boat crews, scientific research organization IRSST has released a video featuring Canadian fishermen and deckhands sharing “tricks of the trade” for staying safe.

Washington – Since 2000, 17 deaths – including three cases involving children – have occurred due to ingestion of the herbicide paraquat, and the Environmental Protection Agency is proposing measures aimed at protecting workers and preventing poisonings.

West Lafayette, IN – Worker grain entrapments and other confined space incidents on U.S. farms decreased to the lowest level in a decade, according to a recent report from Purdue University.

Quincy, MA – In response to several damaging fires in Canada, the National Fire Protection Association is advising barn owners to check both barns and outbuildings for fire hazards.