Logging Accident Causes Death of Worker

This case involves an accident that occurred at a logging site and resulted in a wrongful death lawsuit. The plaintiff was working for a timber company and was responsible for transporting the timber to other areas. While preparing to leave, another logger who also worked for the same timber company drove by the plaintiff’s truck. A log that was strapped to the second logger’s truck accidentally hit the plaintiff’s load, which knocked loose a piece of timber. Subsequently, this log struck the plaintiff in the side of the neck and head, resulting in severe brain hematoma. The plaintiff was flown to a local hospital for immediate treatment. However, due to his traumatic brain injuries, the plaintiff died four days later.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. What type of safety measures and protocols should be taken for wood yards to ensure the safety of the workers on the job site?

Expert Witness Response E-006638

Working for a timber company can be a very dangerous job. It involves using heavy machinery and other equipment that can cause serious injuries, and in some cases, death, if the equipment is not used appropriately and safely. Workers must be made aware of such dangers by the company and learn how to properly use the machinery involved. Generally, when securing logging, there are numerous safeguards that need to be maintained. Multiple straps and securing mechanisms are used, the surface of the truck is made to resist movement, and logs are even stacked in a way to reduce the chance that one may come loose. Furthermore, given the position of the trucks, there are driving standards that need to be maintained on a site where logging is occurring. As such, all workers who may be driving such a vehicle need to be trained and continuously updated on the proper procedures in that type of environment. Workers should be made to wear protective gear, such as hard hats and goggles, to prevent such possible injuries from occurring. For this case, more facts are needed to determine if appropriate safety measures were taken, but based on the log coming loose, it appears that there was an error.