As a
minimum, training would include recognition of and preventive and protective
measures for the hazards associated with the individual's work tasks,
and general recognition and prevention of safety hazards in the logging
industry. All
supervisors and all fellers shall be adequately trained in first aid
methods. Sören
Eriksson and The Game of Logging Training Program™ Sören
Eriksson training program is in a way a model for the modern training
of loggers: a combination of theory and pratice, motivation and control. Sören
Eriksson, originally from Sweden, has worked in the US as a logging
instructor since 1978.
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Training in logging operations is important
Regarding
training in logging operations, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) writes:
Training is considered very important in logging accident prevention due
to the highly labor intensive nature of the work and its strenuous physical
demands. OSHA believes that many accidents in the woods are preventable
through properly applied work practices. It is the employer's responsibility
to ensure that work is accomplished in a safe manner through suitable
training and supervision.
OSHA requires training and the purpose of this requirement is to ensure
that all employees understand the hazards to which they are exposed, and
how to work safely in spite of those hazards. Retraining would be required
at least annually to keep safety awareness, knowledge and safe work practices
at a high level.
Loggers, chain saw operators, power tool operators, machine operators
and associated maintenance personnel shall be trained in the safe use
of maintenance of any machinery, equipment, or tools that they may be
required to operate or maintain.
Before the loggers start working they shall demonstrate their ability
to do so safely.
The goals in his training program have always been to reduce accidents
and injuries in logging operations and at the same time, increase the
productivity and the logging quality in order to obtain better profitability.
Many of his clients, well-known American companies in the logging industry,
can prove that his training has given a high reduction of injuries and
high gains in productivity, logging quality and profit. Sören believes
that the total team in a logging operation has to cooperate in the training
to be able to reach these goals. To stress the motivation and control
in the training program, Sören created his training as a game,
but a serious game, and called it " The Game of Logging Training
Program™" (GOL).
In the initial stage, during a two-day Organizer's Training, the Organizer's
Group, people from the organizer, are given the big picture and trained
in some of the techniques and ideas in the Game of Logging Training
Program™.
The follow-up work and the checklist/scoring system in the training program
is explained. The Organizer's Group will be helping during the upcoming
training for a larger group of loggers/students.
The actual training of the larger group is divided in Four Phases and
each Phase consist of: Training Session (1-2 days), Practice Time (1-3
months) and Checking.
The Checking, made by someone from the organizers group, is a feedback
to the student and the organizer of the progress for the student and the
effectiveness of the training program.
At the end of a Game of Logging Training Program™ (after 4-12 months)
the checklists and the points from the four phases are accumulated and
put on file.
The best students in a Game of Logging Training Program™ will complete
in a Regional Final, a public competition open for families etc. The winners
from a Regional Final have the ability to compete in the Game of Logging
NATIONAL FINAL once a year.
The Game of Logging Training Program™ is in accordance with OSHA's
requirement for training of employees in logging operations.