Non-mechanized logging in Washington State - can we incentivize safety?

OBJECTIVE: We will describe a safety incentive program developed to improve safety and reduce premiums in the Washington State non-mechanized logging industry - the Washington State Logging Safety Initiative (LSI). 

METHODS: We conducted a descriptive analysis of the Washington State Fund WC claims for the logging risk classes - identifying accepted claims rates, compensable claim rates, acute inpatient hospitalization rates, types of injuries, time loss duration, and medical and indemnity costs from 2004-2011. 

RESULTS:  For the period from 2004 – 2011, the accepted claims rate in the non-mechanized logging risk classification was 60/100 full-time equivalent employee (FTE). This compares to a rate of 5.6/100 FTE in the mechanized logging risk classes. The claim rate for those cases requiring more than three days off from work was 28/100 FTE compared to a rate of 2.1/100 FTE. Hospitalization rates in non-mechanized logging are 60 times greater than the overall state workforce rate. Current workers compensation premiums in the non-mechanized logging industry are more than $20/hour. Increasing premiums reflect the high injury rate, high injury severity and diminished employer compliance with premium payment.

CONCLUSIONS:  Logging is a high hazard industry with non-mechanized logging in particular reflecting the most hazardous type of logging. We will discuss the formation of the LSI to improve safety in the logging industry.  LSI includes enhanced expectations of safety from participating logging contractors with verification through the state OSHA program, and a third party audit program.  Successful participants in LSI can receive a premium discount on their industrial insurance premiums.