Safety is paramount in the realm of high-risk, high-hazard wood products manufacturing. The industry encompasses various sectors, including sawmills, pallet mills, custom woodworking shops, logging operations, and truck hauling, each presenting its own set of occupational hazards. With workplace injuries on the rise, employers must prioritize prevention and remediation strategies.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, the manufacturing sector reported 396.8 thousand non-fatal injuries and illnesses, with 253.3 thousand cases involving days away from work, job restrictions, or transfer (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Across all private industry sectors, 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported, marking a 7.5 percent increase from 2021. This overall increase was attributed to a rise in both injuries and illnesses, with injuries up by 4.5 percent to 2.3 million cases and illnesses up by 26.1 percent to 460,700 cases (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Forestry Mutual Insurance emerges as the best-kept secret in workers' compensation carriers, offering tailored solutions to mitigate risks in this high-risk specialized sector. Through a strategic partnership with Forestry Mutual Insurance, members of the industry gain access to comprehensive coverage and a plethora of support services aimed at safeguarding both employers and employees.
Forestry Mutual Insurance takes a proactive approach to injury prevention. Their team identifies potential hazards by conducting on-site analyses and offers remediation guidance. Greg Plumley, Loss Control Director at Forestry Mutual Insurance, emphasizes the importance of these consultations in creating safer work environments. "We believe in a hands-on approach," says Plumley. "Our Loss Control Consultants provide personalized recommendations to address hazards and minimize the risk of injuries."
One notable advantage for employers is the accessibility of these services without additional fees. Policyholders can access resources such as on-site safety presentations, claims management assistance, mock OSHA inspections, and required training materials, including those mandated by regulatory bodies.
Forestry Mutual Insurance highlights a concerning trend: the increase in injuries among newly hired employees. Plumley attributes this to insufficient training resources and time constraints faced by businesses. "To combat this issue, we provide comprehensive training materials to ensure compliance with U.S. and Regional States OSHA standards," explains Plumley. "Our aim is to equip businesses with the tools they need to properly onboard and train employees, reducing the likelihood of workplace accidents."
Moreover, Forestry Mutual Insurance remains vigilant in reminding policyholders of regulatory obligations, such as electronic reporting of occupational injuries. By staying informed and proactive, businesses can avoid potential fines and penalties.
Unlike traditional insurers, Forestry Mutual Insurance specializes solely in workers' compensation for over fifty-years, allowing for customized programs tailored to the unique needs of the wood products industry. This specialization translates into tangible benefits for policyholders.
For more information on how Forestry Mutual Insurance can enhance safety measures and reduce workplace injuries in wood products manufacturing, visit www.forestrymutual.com or contact Jean-Paul Damé. Together, let's build a safer and more secure future for the industry.
Jean-Paul Damé
Communications Director
Forestry Mutual Insurance
jpdame@forestrymutual.com
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Employer-reported workplace injuries and illnesses - 2021-2022. [Press release]. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/osh_11082023.htm
