As if physical hardship and job-market whiplash aren’t bad enough, loggers are also far more likely to be killed on the job than other workers. In fact, new stats in Oregon, based on worker’s comp figures, show that loggers are roughly 28 times as likely to be killed at work as the average joe.
While logging—along with other resource extractive industries like commercial fishing—helped define the Northwest, jobs in these sectors are diminishing and take a heavy toll on the people they employ. One interesting market-based solution is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification of timber operations. FSC labelling encourages employment stability, good benefits, and careful worker safety.
