Logging deaths perplexing AP, Coos Bay World, OR
In 2002, Oregon's fatality rate for loggers was 92 deaths per 100,000 workers. By comparison, the fatality rate for all occupations was 3.3 deaths per 100,000 workers.
Oregon officials Wednesday said they were at a loss to explain why logging fatalities continued to rise despite the drop in overall deaths. Industry and workplace safety experts say part of the rise might come from the combination of an aging work force and difficulties luring new workers into the field.
"It's a shrinking labor market," said Gary Rischitelli, assistant scientist at Oregon Health & Science University Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, which is studying workplace fatalities for federal officials.
"It's harder and harder for contractors to find well-trained and experienced, reliable workers."