Loggers and log truck drivers are at high risk for fatigue and stress, due to long working hours and high job demands. Few studies have characterized the determinants of fatigue, risks, and solutions for this vital workforce.
Project Overview
In partnership with industry leaders and safety professionals, this project aimed to understand the determinants of stress and fatigue among loggers and log truck drivers to inform potential solutions. This project developed from Idaho industry concerns over a spike in log trucking accidents. We conducted a survey at the Intermountain Logging Conference and followed up with phone interviews. Secondly, we quantitatively analyzed NW log truck accident data, from workers compensation data in Idaho, and for the NW, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS).
Summary of Findings
- Surveyed 45 loggers (52%), log truck drivers (20%). 48% also owners. Findings on: sleep & fatigue, work schedules, job demand & support, and injury.
- Generally, respondents reported few life stressors, and good physical health, quality of life, including on-the-job safety support.
- Work Schedules: 49% worked more than 55 hrs/week and 21% had workdays starting between 1:30-4:30am.
- In the last year, 15% received healthcare for work-related pain and 5% had a work-related injury that resulted in time off of work.
- Analysis of data from Associated Loggers Exchange (2011-2021) in Idaho, found the most common accident claims were from overexertion, struck by object, and falls, and the most common injuries were strains, contusions, and skeletal factures. Nearly 60% of claims were for log truck drivers age 45-64, and those employed 3 years or less (58%).
- Analysis of MCMIS data revealed that among 647 log truck crashes in WA, OR, ID, MT between 2015-2019:
- Log truck crashes in Washington or Oregon are less likely to result in injury or fatality relative to those occurring in Idaho or Montana.
- Fatalities were more common on 2-way roads without a barrier.
The study team published these findings in papers, trade articles and reported back results to our participants at the 2023 Intermountain Logging Conference. We'd like to thank our participants and look forward to future work in developing solutions for loggers and log truck drivers.
Publications & Resources
Clonch A, Harrington M, Spector J, Monsey LM, Baker MG. Exploring determinants of log truck accidents resulting in injury or fatality in the Northwest United States between 2015-2019 using Motor Carrier Management Information System data. Int J For Eng. 2023;34(3):452-458. doi: 10.1080/14942119.2023.2186026. Epub 2023 Mar 15. PMID: 38213500; PMCID: PMC10783025.
Report Determinants of Stress, Fatigue, and Injury Risk for Loggers and Log Truck Drivers
Trade Article Awake at the Wheel, How Fatigue Impacts Log Truck Driver Safety, Timber West
NIOSH Blog Job Satisfaction in the Logging Industry | Blogs | CDC
Principal Investigator: Marissa Baker, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Washington
PNASH Pilot Program 2021-2022