A Statistical Analysis of Tree-Harvesting Worker Safety

Tree-harvesting worker data of 508 separate worker accidents are analyzed and an exploratory approach taken. The worker accident data cover a sample of five years. The scope of the study was the southeastern United States of America. As might be hypothesized, the chainsaw was the most hazardous type of tree-harvesting equipment. It accounted for 55％ of the tree-harvesting accidents. Most chainsaw accidents resulted in injuries to the lower extremities and were more frequent among younger employees. The probability of one or more chainsaw accidents occurring in any 30-day period was approximately 0.856. Chainsaw accidents were more likely to occur in late morning and early afternoon. We used statistical tools such as Pareto charts, c-charts and Ishikawa diagrams. Such tools are useful in diagnosing the root-cause of tree-harvesting worker accidents and help in developing preventive safety programs. Recommendations to help improve the quality of information of accident data collected by insurance companies and others are briefly given. The strategy and culture of continuous process improvements are stressed.