The importance of correct personal protective equipment (PPE) use in the logging industry cannot be overstated. A worker’s last line of defence in case of an accident, PPE can prevent or greatly reduce the chance of serious injury. However, this can only be done if the worker commits to its use.
Here are the various forms of protective equipment logging operations workers should use:
Head Protection
- Hard hats must be worn when overhead hazards are present.
- The hard hats must comply with all safety standards.
- Hard hats should be properly fitted and should be a highly visible colour.
Hearing Protection
Hearing protection is required when operating chain saws.
Eye/Face Protection
Whenever there is a potential for eye or face injuries protection must be worn.
- Mesh screens are considered to be safe for chain saw operators.
- Equipment should comply with all safety standards.
- Regular sunglasses and eyeglasses do not provide adequate protection.
Leg Protection
When operating a chain saw, workers must wear some form of leg protection.
- Leg protection must extend from the upper thigh down to the top of the boot.
- Leg protection must be made out of cut resistant materials, such as Kevlar® or ballistic nylon.
Hand Protection
Across the industry, hands and arms are the most frequent location of bodily injury. Teach employees to:
- Always wear gloves when handling wire or metal cable.
- Wear cut-resistant gloves when operating a chain saw.
- Replace gloves with holes or defects immediately.
Foot Protection
Logging boots must be:
- Waterproof or water repellent.
- Cover the whole foot and provide support to the ankle.
- If job duties require the use of a chain saw, footwear must be constructed with cut-resistant material that will protect against contact with a running chain saw.
