RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Logging is one of the most hazardous occupations and fatality rates are consistently among the highest of all industries. A review of fatalities caused by logs rolling off trucks is presented. METHODS: The Kentucky Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Project is a statewide surveillance system for occupational fatalities. Investigations are conducted on selected injuries with an emphasis on prevention strategy development. Logging was an area of high priority for case investigation. RESULTS: During 1994-1998, we identified seven incidents in which a worker was killed by a log rolling off a truck at a sawmill, accounting for 15% of the 45 deaths related to logging activities. These cases were reviewed to identify similar characteristics and risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Investigations led to recommendations for behavioral, administrative, and engineering controls. Potential interventions include limiting load height on trucks, installing unloading cages at sawmills and prohibiting overloaded trucks on public roadways.
