Vol. 36, No. 6, June 2024 AOL Mainline The page 18 2023 AOL Young Leader Award Cody Wilson
The Mainline is a monthly publication of: Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc. 2015 Madrona Ave SE, Salem, OR 97302 Mailing: PO Box 12339, Salem, OR 97309 503.364.1330 • fax: 503.364.0836 www.oregonloggers.org AOL Staff Team Executive Vice President Rex Storm • [email protected] Business Operations Manager Kathy Ballard • [email protected] Contractor Services Manager/Se habla Español Mathew McCartney • [email protected] Forest Policy Manager Amanda Sullivan-Astor • [email protected] Insurance Group Manager Dave Boyd • [email protected] Safety & Health Manager David Grim • [email protected] IT Director Tyler Teal • [email protected] Fiscal Operation & Publication Coordinator Aletha Henderson • [email protected] Event & Education Coordinator Shanna Lambert • [email protected] Member Services Coordinator Tiffany Lord • [email protected] Sr. Safety Management Consultants Leonard Lulay • [email protected] Mike Weaver • [email protected] Rod Huffman • [email protected] Roger Lulay • [email protected] Garrett Weaver • [email protected] Contract Lobbyist Kevin Campbell • The Victory Group Contract Communicator FPW Media The Mainline Editor Aletha Henderson Advertising & Design LLM Publications • www.llmpubs.com Design & Layout Juliette Miratsky • [email protected] Advertising Sales Ronnie Jacko • [email protected] Email editorial news, notices, and correspondence: [email protected] Articles in this publication present the informed judgment of AOL staff, and are intended for information purposes only. Content does not represent legal or financial guidance. Copyright 2024 Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may be reprinted only with the expressed written permission of AOL. Also Inside 4 From Executive VP 6 News, Events, Reminders 23 Group Benefits, Insurance Discounts 24 Safety & Health 30 OPL & Professional Qualification 35 Political Action & Elections 37 Business, Contracting, Markets On the Cover 2023 AOL Young Leader Award—Cody Wilson (Triple T Logging, Inc.) located in Lowell, Oregon. Page 18 Mainline The 28 Forest Fire Weather Forecast Oregon operators can expect summer's normal warm-dry conditions. 17 AOL Sporting Clays PAC Fundraiser Registration now open for those aiming to support the OR-Loggers PAC.
4 The Mainline From Executive VP Rex Storm Executive Vice President [email protected] Renewing AOL Membership Invests in Your Business Future I n June, an AOL membership renewal invoice arrives in your mailbox. Thank you for your current AOL membership support. I hope you’ll renew by July 1 to continue receiving another year of membership advantages for your business. Associated Oregon Loggers (AOL) has been a powerful service provider and advocate for your forest contract business for over 55 years. We remain committed to continuing our work for you! Your partnership with AOL consolidates member positions and creates a path to government policies that impact Oregon forest suppliers and contractors—and your bottom line. As a member, you have exclusive access to useful benefits that help set your business for success, including these double-values: 1) cost-saving service; and 2) strong policy representation. Operator membership… delivers timely information, valuable insurances, discount services, and helpful resources. Our ‘Operator’ members are the many essential small business producers who grow and manage forests, involving logging, roading, reforesting, firefighting, trucking, tree services, fuel reduction, and forest labor. Associate membership… delivers connections and access to operator member companies, as well as those benefits available to all members. Our ‘Associate’ members are the many suppliers, vendors, insurers, and service providers who support loggers and forest contractors. Membership dues in July is payable by two options: 1) postal-mailed invoice sent to your business address; or 2) online by credit card at your company Master Account, accessible at the AOL website, oregonloggers.org/. Renewal Keeps AOL Serving Your Business! Why should your company renew AOL membership today? President Tom Dober and the AOL team are delivering association programs with best value to members. Because we respect your company dollar, this coming year we aim to continue offering positive impact for your business. What’s AOL doing for you? STRONGER Together. Your company’s buying power and voice is greater by working together—your association is a statewide impact representing loggers, all forest contractors, and associate suppliers. We are growing services to benefit your business. BUILDING Help with Labor Service Contracting. The past year grew new service contractor programs that improve a wider range of services to more members. FORCE of Your State Lobby Voice is Powerful. AOL’s state Political Action Committee is a leader in Oregon’s rural business lobby caucus. We deploy an arsenal of lobbying, candidate investments, and coalition efforts. UNRIVALED Consulting Team Agents in Workers’ Comp Insurance and Safety. Your AOL-SAIF agency and services staff are partners on your team, to provide skilled AOL consultants in forest operations loss control, insurance, information, and business regulation. SAVINGS Through Programs and Sponsors. Offering a menu of options that save money and add value to your company through discounts and dividends in many programs: fuel, first aid/CPR/hearing,
5 June 2024 From Executive VP safety materials, plus insurances in workers’ comp, health, and property. SPEAKING Your Unique Voice in Industry and Our Community. Representing forest contractor interests among industry partners, media, and government with an AOL team amplifies your interests. IMPROVED Professional Qualification Value. Oregon Professional Logger (OPL) qualification provides members improved individual and new onsite supervisor training credentials, which is required by certified SFI purchasers. FIGHTING for Greater Public Forest Management. Advocating for improved timber supply, contracted acres, and improved managed forests on federal and state forestlands. COMMUNITY of Small Business, Forest Operators, and Working Families. Together we are a greater community— grown through service products and voice advocacy for your forest contracting and logging community. AOL Membership Renewal Includes Voluntary Asks for Two Good Causes Your 2024–25 AOL renewal invoice includes optional requests for two “voluntary contributions.” I encourage your optional contribution to the following fundraisers: › $250. AOL State Political Action Committee (PAC)—Your contribution applies directly to support legislative senators and representatives who shape business-friendly lawmaking for rural forest small businesses. 100% of every PAC dollar goes to Oregon legislators. › $50. Log A Load For Kids (LAL)— Your tax-deductible donation supports the AOL direct campaign to support Oregon children in need at three Oregon Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospitals. 100% of every LAL dollar goes to these Oregon hospitals. › Please, also consider contributing a greater amount for either important program! Thank You for Your Renewal Your membership renewal is an investment in the many AOL members-only programs that support your business. This coming year, AOL is focused on these priorities: 1. Strengthen service programs and voice 2. Increase membership by growing value 3. Continue adapting better approaches t ATOhLarnekneywoualfobry yJuoulyr1. Rex Storm, AOL Executive VP, leads the association’s team of fifteen professionals and other contracted resources to provide valued service and voice for Oregon’s logging and forest operator sector. He has represented forest contractor success statewide in forest and business policymaking for three decades. He is a Certified Forester, a Certified Family Forest landowner, and lifelong advocate for small business and forestry
6 The Mainline AOL EVENT CALENDAR STATEWIDE AOL PROGRAMS REGISTRATION REQUIRED Log A Load for Kids—Golf Tournament Fundraiser Event Friday, June 21 AOL-sponsored fundraiser for three Oregon Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Held at: Tokatee Golf Club ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������54947 McKenzie Hwy, McKenzie Bridge 97413 To Register ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������AOL website: www.oregonloggers.org OR-Loggers PAC—Sporting Clays Fundraiser Event Saturday, August 3 Held at: Mid-Valley Clays ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6181 Concomly Road NE, Gervais 97026 To Register ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������AOL website: www.oregonloggers.org AOL lobby team fundraiser for Loggers Political Action Committee—in support of 2024 General Election candidates for state legislature. › An afternoon of shooting, fun, sport, and impacting AOL political action! › Candidates and special guests invited to join the fun! › 15 shooting stations; a professionally-organized event; lunch included; prizes › Proceeds go to AOL-State PAC › Sponsorships now available—call AOL for details 503.364.1330 AOL Fall Board & Committee Meeting Event Friday & Saturday, September 20–21 All members welcome to participate! Meetings of AOL standing committees and Board of Directors. Held at: Brasada Ranch ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������16986 SW Brasada Ranch Rd, Powell Butte 97753 (Registration will be available closer to the date) AOL Statewide Safety Conference Saturday, November 2 Save the date and plan to attend; or send a supervisor! Hear current information and learn insights into safe and healthy work in forest operations. Held at: Best Western Plus Boulder Falls Inn & Conference Center �����������������������������������������������������505 Mullins Dr, Lebanon 97355 (Registration will be available closer to the date) OPL PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION CORE COURSES REGISTRATION REQUIRED A total of 25 in-person OPL core courses are scheduled during 2024, for locations in ALL FIVE REGIONS OF THE STATE. These OPL core courses are the one-time requirement for individuals seeking to complete the individual qualification for Qualified Professional (QP) and Onsite Supervisor (OS). • Coming soon! Online, on-demand, two OPL core courses now available, all others this summer! • To view a full-year 2024 listing of 25 OPL in-person courses and their locations, please view the full-year schedule in this Mainline. • The 2024 OPL Course Schedule is also available online at the AOL website: www.oregonloggers.org. News, Events, Reminders
7 June 2024 News, Events, Reminders Eastern District GWMuF E l i c x r h e c c a in o v g a I , t n L in c L g C & Woo T d im w b ar e d r L L L a C nd & Northwest District NJ e3 xTt ehri rnan, i Inngc . STnoopwHye Ra vi vye Tr iFma br me rs L, ILnCc Wy’east Wildlands LLC 2024 Oregon Donations Received to Date: $62,490.45 Southwest District Pacific Forestry Co
9 June 2024 News, Events, Reminders In Case You Missed It One Good Thing! Timberlab Inc. will build a cross-laminated timber (CLT) manufacturing plant in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. This expands demand for the sawlog supply chain. Timber contractors and sawmills are ideally positioned to supply increased mass timber building. New Illustrated Manual Online. The updated colorful handbook, ‘Oregon’s Forest Protection Laws: An Illustrated Manual’ is now available as a free digital download from Oregon Forest Resources Institute at: OregonForests.org/ or: KnowYourForest.org. Douglas Fur? Portland Trail Blazers NBA pro basketball team in March unveiled its new Bigfoot mascot, ‘Douglas Fur,’ to mixed reviews. The hairy, beanie-wearing Bigfoot in a plaid shirt, is the Blazers second mascot, teaming with ‘Blaze the Trail Cat.’ Liability Shock from Wildfire. A new wildfire lawsuit asks for $30 billion in damages from electric utility PacifiCorp— by 1,000 plaintiffs impacted by the 2020 Oregon forest wildfires, allegedly powerline-caused. Prior court verdicts awarded $220 million to three dozen plaintiffs. Inflation Top Concern for Small Business. The NFIB Small Business Economic Trends survey in April found 22% of owners say inflation is their top concern. The Optimism Index rose slightly to 89.7, its first increase of 2024. Nfib.com/SBET. Build Relationships, Work with Respect. Retiring Oregon State Senator Bill Hansell (R-Athena) spent his 12-year legislative career governing from the minority caucus. Hansell said he was effective by following the ‘golden rule’: “Treat others as you would want to be treated.” In Memory. Fred Axel Bergerson, Fred Bergerson Logging of Vernonia, passed April 29. A proud logger since 1976, he enjoyed managing timber, hunting elk, adventures with dogs, and always the best at being a Dad. A 36-year AOL member and loyal attendee. t ICYMI shorts
10 The Mainline News, Events, Reminders Want to Get More Involved with Your Association? Try Sponsorships! ›By Kathy Ballard, Business Operations Manager You can show your support for Association members and bring your company name to the forefront by participating in event sponsorships! AOL offers a wide variety of event sponsorships to fit any budget, starting at only $250 and covering many types of events to fit your needs. Sponsor a Board and Committee Event and have your name displayed on all printed materials distributed to the leaders of the association. The 2024 AOL Safety Conference provides an opportunity to show your support of innovative safety and health solutions for the industry. In-person OPL-QP and OS course sponsorship ensures your name will appear in front of every attendee of these courses that are required for all companies desiring OPL qualification. Look for future opportunities to have your company name and logo on our upcoming Online OPL-QP and OS courses. Looking for a fun event to sponsor? We’ve got you covered! The popular Log A Load for Kids Golf Tournament is a fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals and always well-attended. New this year is the fun OR-Loggers State PAC Sporting Clays Fundraiser, where your brand will shine alongside key figures in a 15-station sporting clay event. Your support will empower our forestry advocacy. Uniting forest operators and legislators in our mission, with every shot fired strengthening our collective future. Sponsorships can be purchased through the AOL website www.oregonloggers.org, click “Store” on the top green menu, or by calling the AOL office at 503.364.1330. Become an AOL Sponsor today! t Become an AOL Sponsor today!
13 June 2024 News, Events, Reminders Your Association at Work AOL Spring Board and Committee Event ›By Rex Storm, Executive Vice President Your member-driven association on April 19–20 held its semi-annual Board and Committee Meeting Event at the Corvallis Courtyard by Marriott Hotel. The board of directors meeting capped the two-day event, which included eight business meetings that inform association programs. Thanks to the more than forty attending members and staff who contributed their insights to help lead AOL! Read below about the scheduled AOL fall board event. Highlights of AOL April Board Event A. Approved FY24–25 Budget. Your AOL Board of Directors approved the next fiscal year budget, July 2024–June 2025. Development was our most comprehensive fiscal efforts in recent years, which included five options evaluated over four months amongst the Executive Committee, AOL team, and Board. This budget implements the second year of AOL’s two-year strategic plan that aims to strengthen service program value and grow membership. Budget priorities are the following: › Balance conservative revenue and expense › Lean spending and deferred maintenance › Increase dues, responding to inflation since 2022 › Agreed operating reserve purpose › Multiply the new health and property insurance programs › Grow membership and workers’ comp insurance service › Focus work on valued service for member business B. Celebrated Positive AOL Progress!! › Membership census is up for first time since 2017 › New AOL health insurance plan enrolls 13 member employers in April & May › New members and forestry service contractor materials being added monthly › AOL lobby team passed a forestry workforce study bill at 2024 Legislature › SAIF-AOL services contract incentives received at top-amount › New sponsor program growing associate member access to operator members › New PAC sporting clays fundraiser event planned August 3 Continued →
14 The Mainline News, Events, Reminders C. Appointed Health Board of Trustees. AOL’s Board of Directors appointed the five initial Trustees to form the Board of Trustees for the NEW AOL subsidiary—Associated Oregon Loggers Health Benefits Trust (AOLHT). This Board of Trustees, supported by AOL staff, will oversee the new association health insurance program, available only to AOL-member employers. Trustee service begins at their first meeting in June. In September 2023, AOL established this unique Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement—to provide a better option for employee, family, and owner health insurance. The first insured member coverage began April 1, with more companies covered every month. Please join me in welcoming these members as the new AOLHT Board of Trustees: 1. Tom Dober Banks Rock Products Inc, Gales Creek 2. Heidi Trambley* Blaine Timber LLC, Beaver 3. Jim Gahlsdorf* Gahlsdorf Logging Inc., Rickreall 4. Rick Kriege Kriege Logging LLC, Prineville 5. Kathryn Van Natta Van Natta Bros., Rainier (* participating employer) D. Reported to AOL Board of Directors, by the association’s four governing teams: 1. AOL Executive Committee – Association Officers 2. A.O.L. Services – Corporation Board 3. Friends of Paul Bunyan – Foundation Board 4. AOL Health Benefits Trust – Interim Trustee E. Convened Standing Committees. Six committees met and later reported to Board of Directors: 1. Group Benefits 2. Membership & Events 3. Oregon Professional Logger 4. Policy & Political Action 5. Safe Work Services 6. Workforce & Scholarship And, it wasn’t all business… F. Fellowship. Wisdom shared among colleagues at meals, meetings, coffee and spirits! G. Insight. A weekend away from our routines to gain new perspective and ideas! H. Fun. Enjoyable sunset reception and dinner gathering with friends, held at ‘The Vue,’ a stunning 6th-floor glass room overlooking the valley in springtime. Evening entertainment engaged all in a competitive trivial pursuit, emceed by Tom Dober. I regret to inform you that the winning table team was the “Big butt buckers!” If this sounds like something you’d like to get involved with, we welcome volunteers to join and participate with an AOL Committee. Learn more by contacting AOL’s Kathy Ballard, [email protected] or Rex Storm, [email protected]. AOL’s next Board & Committee Meeting Event is coming in September—plan to attend and contribute to a stronger association! ALL members are welcome to participate. Friday & Saturday, September 20–21 AOL Fall Board Event at Brasada Ranch • Get away for a weekend in beautiful Central Oregon at Powell Butte’s Brasada Ranch, located just north of Bend. • Gather with AOL contract business leaders for fine dining, spirits, and committee meetings. • All members welcome to participate and guide your association. • Schedules and registration details coming soon. t Continued →
16 The Mainline
17 June 2024 News, Events, Reminders Registration is now open for individuals or squads aiming to support the OR-Loggers Political Action Committee (PAC)—with a Saturday shotgun event on a fun 15-station sporting clay course! • Saturday, August 3—11:00am–5:00pm • Mid-Valley Clays, Gervais, Oregon (15 miles north of Salem) • $200 player fee gets you: 100 targets, all ammo, 15 stations, lunch, and a whole lot of fun! AOL Sporting Clays PAC Fundraiser WHY? TWO REASONS: 1. All monies raised in player fees donated to AOL’s OR-Loggers State PAC Fund. 2. Many sponsorships also available to further support your PAC. IT GETS BETTER! • No shotgun? Shotgun rentals available onsite. No aim? Anyone can do this! • Run by professionals—prizes, competition, fun! • Meet a few legislative candidates at lunch! • Bring a friend, family, crew, or shooting partner—all are welcome! • Don’t miss this chance to shoot at making a political difference! REGISTER NOW: • See ad on pages 19–20. • Online at: oregonloggers.org/ event/2024aolpacfundraiser. t Saturday, August 3 | 11:00am–5:00pm | Mid-Valley Clays, Gervais, OR
18 The Mainline role in shaping our future logging and forest operation industry. Cody Wilson is a 10-year AOL member who joined AOL in his twenties. He shows a commitment to running a good business, while building a new company and crew. As company owner, Cody demonstrates drive, ingenuity, and a positive influence on his work, family, and community. This young leader grew up around logging and would go to work in the forest as a kid with his dad and grandpa. Even before he was out of high school, he saw himself doing this line of work. He started his logging business right after high school graduation and ran it successfully with just a Cat and a shovel doing ground-based logging. He succeeded at restarting his family’s business. Then, when that went pretty well and enough money had been plowed-back into the business, Cody Wilson bought his first yarder. Cody and Triple T launched into yarder logging less than ten years ago. Based in Lowell east of Springfield, yarding is Cody Wilson’s force. The current scope of business for Triple T is yarder and shovel logging. Cody owns Triple T Logging, and currently bids jobs and works wherever needed to ensure everything goes smoothly. His family is involved by 2023 AOL Young Leader Award Cody Wilson Triple T Logging, Inc. / Lowell, Oregon AOL’s Young Leader Award recognizes a member professional, age 42 and under, who is a forerunner that has demonstrated ingenuity and potential for continued positive influence on their business and industry performance. At the Associated Oregon Loggers Annual Convention recognition dinner, held January 19, Cody Wilson of Triple T Logging was recognized as the 2023 AOL Young Leader. At the awards program, Cody was acknowledged by a banquet hall of AOL members who appreciated his inspiring company story. This is AOL’s first award recognizing a rising star who shows other contractors how a business start-up, and youthful energy can succeed in today’s tough market. AOL President Tom Dober honored Cody as an emerging leader with meaningful contributions to establish and grow his company. Cody has an important
19 June 2024 News, Events, Reminders Continued → helping-out and running parts, which is very much appreciated. Over the years, Triple T has updated equipment to keep operations and crew working well. He ran a grapple carriage for a bit, but it wasn’t productive enough. So, Triple T went back to traditional yarder logging with chokers under a carriage. This system yields good products. Determination and perseverance mean overcoming tough challenges. The rewards of tough work are the hallmark of small business. Cody has shown how good work has produced a good living for his crew, family, and kids. There are so many challenges for a logging business start-up. Starting and running a business successfully out of high school is no small feat nowadays. Then, making yarder logging profitable is another victory. And, the greatest challenge about logging, says Cody, is trying to find skilled workers who show-up and want to do the job. The worst challenge faced by Triple T would have been a game-ending tragedy for many new small businesses. But not Cody. In September 2020, Cody lost all of his equipment, when it burned on the landing in the Holiday Farm Fire. Triple T Logging basically had to start over. When it could have been easy to just quit, this young leader
20 The Mainline News, Events, Reminders pushed through the challenges to keep the business going, find replacement equipment, and return the crew to work. Solving the post-fire shock was a character-building test that Cody passed with pride and inventiveness. Cody says the best thing he has done is to keep going through every set-back with Triple T. This shows a person who can problem-solve, gather the resources, make good decisions, and rally good people to work in the right direction. We were impressed by his grandpa and dad counselling Cody to team with AOL, working with AOL safety consultants to keep crews productive on-the-job. Cody’s greatest reward is getting up every single day, and doing what he has always wanted to do for a career. With his grit to succeed, and respect from the crew, he is proof that the logging industry has hope for the future! Thank you, Cody, for role-modelling how logging is still a great career for the young and determined! t Continued →
23 June 2024 Group Benefits, Insurance Discounts NEW Health Insurance Available New health coverage is available from Health Net Insurance at very competitive rates—only to AOL members. STATEWIDE COVERAGE Health Net is a statewide PPO network with 21,000 providers, 75+ hospitals, and no network gap in any county. AVAILABLE TO MEET YOUR NEEDS Savings for members on health insurance available for employees, families, and owners—with 13 plan options. Several member employers now insure with this AOL-owned health insurance product! GET A QUOTE TODAY Healthcare coverage is the single most important benefit you can offer loyal employees. Let one of our partner agents help you offer that benefit within your budget. To request a quote, contact: quotes@ oregonloggers.org or 503.364.1330. t
24 The Mainline Safety & Health Introduction Forest operators play a critical role in managing and maintaining our natural resources. There are many environmental hazards associated with their work, including high temperatures. As temperatures rise, the risk of heat-related illnesses among workers increases, highlighting the need for understanding and addressing the challenge effectively. Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Division 2 rules provide guidance for forest operators to help ensure the safety of their workers in hot weather conditions. Understanding Oregon OSHA Division 2 Rules Oregon OSHA Division 2 rules on Heat Illness Prevention establish standards and regulations aimed at protecting workers from occupational hazards related to heat stress. These rules provide a framework for forest contract operators to assess, prevent, and mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures in the workplace. By adhering to these guidelines, forest employers can promote a safe and healthy working environment for their employees. Key Points from Oregon OSHA 1. Heat Stress Prevention Program: Employers are required to develop and implement a heat stress prevention program to protect workers from the adverse effects of high temperatures. This program should include measures, such as: providing access to water, rest breaks, and shade, as well as training workers on heat-related hazards and emergency procedures. 2. Environmental Monitoring: Employers must conduct regular environmental monitoring to assess temperature and humidity levels in the workplace. By monitoring these conditions, operators can identify potential heat stress risks and take appropriate preventive measures to protect workers. 3. Work-Rest Schedules: Oregon OSHA Division 2 rules specify the implementation of work-rest schedules to ensure that workers have adequate opportunities to rest and cool down during hot weather conditions. Forest operators should establish appropriate work-rest ratios, based on temperature and humidity levels, to prevent heat-related illnesses. Oregon OSHA has provided a framework for which you can work. 4. Access to Water: Employers are required to provide workers with access to an adequate supply of cool potable water to prevent dehydration, up to 32oz per hour per employee. Water should be readily available and easily accessible or delivered throughout the work site, and workers should be encouraged to drink frequently, even if they do not feel thirsty. 5. Shade and Cooling Measures: Oregon OSHA Division 2 rules mandate the provision of shade and cooling measures to protect workers from excessive heat exposure. Forest operators should ensure that shaded areas are available for rest breaks, and consider implementing additional cooling measures, such as workers wearing cooling vests that can be worn while working. Working in High Temperatures for Forest Operators ›By David Grim, Safety and Health Manager
25 June 2024 Safety & Health Conclusion High temperatures can pose risks to workers in the woods. But, by adhering to Oregon OSHA Division 2 rules and implementing appropriate preventive measures, forest operators can create a safer and healthier work environment for their employees. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of workers, forest employers can ensure that their operations remain efficient and productive even in the face of high heat. Do you have your company plan in place for Heat Illness Prevention? Reach out to AOL today to get yours! t 6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE goes beyond wearing gloves and chaps. Forest operators should encourage the use of appropriate PPE for weather conditions. These items can be lightweight and breathable clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses, to help workers stay cool and protected from the sun’s harmful rays. 7. Training and Education: Oregon OSHA Division 2 rules require employers to emphasize the importance of training workers on heat stress prevention and recognition on an annual basis. All employers are required to provide comprehensive training to workers on the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, as well as on the proper use of preventive measures and emergency procedures, water supply and location, and break schedules. Implementation AOL members can effectively implement Oregon OSHA Division 2 rules by taking the following steps: ;Utilize the ‘Heat Illness Prevention’ employee training and company policy document—that is available to all AOL member companies. Understand the ‘Heat Illness Prevention’ requirements when the heat index reaches 80 degrees, and then 90 degrees. ;Conduct regular environmental monitoring to assess temperature and humidity levels in the workplace. ;Establish work-rest schedules based on temperature and humidity levels to ensure adequate rest breaks for workers when the heat index reaches 90 degrees or more. ;Provide access to cool water, shade, and cooling measures to protect workers from heat stress. ;Provide appropriate PPE and ensure that workers are trained on its proper use. ;Conduct yearly training to educate workers on heat stress prevention, recognition, and company plan. ;Monitor workers for signs of heat-related illnesses and implement appropriate first aid measures. ❶ Heat Stress Prevention Program ❷ Environmental Monitoring ❸ Work-Rest Schedules ❹ Access to Water ❺ Shade and Cooling Measures ❻ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ❼ Training and Education HEAT ILLNESS PREVENTION
26 The Mainline Safety & Health An Alarming Uptick in Rigging Crew Struck-by Accidents ›By Leonard Lulay, Sr. Safety Management Consultant As safety professionals, anytime we hear of a rigging worker getting struck-by an object we think of the worse. I can relate to these types of accidents after being employed as a logger for 18 years (prior to working for AOL), and experienced more than one close call. There were many incidents that made my knees weak, and definitely some close calls that I will never forget. It’s time we think hard on how we are going to decrease these types of accidents. We have all heard the workforce is not what it used to be, and I’m sure that does have something to do with it. But it’s time we do something about it. The first thing I think of is a proper training program with most of it done onsite. Back in the day, a new hire would not even touch a whistle/bug for the first year and when they did, it was under supervision. Be careful in handing a whistle to a new hire without really knowing that crewperson’s capability. The following are the OR-OSHA reported rigging accidents that occurred from 03/01/2023–03/05/2024. These would be excellent topics for safety meetings: 5/9/23 – Hospitalization: Struck-By The injured employees were working at a logging site. Logs were going up to the landing when rocks became loose and rolled down the hill, striking two employees. One employee was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Springfield, OR, where he was hospitalized with injuries unknown. The other employee was transported to the hospital by pickup, was evaluated and treated for contusions, and then released. 5/17/23 – Hospitalization: Struck-By The injured employee was bucking (cutting) a log on a hill and was below the log when it rolled over him, injuring his left leg and hip. Another employee helped the injured employee onto a stretcher and then into a vehicle and drove him to Salem Hospital.
27 June 2024 Safety & Health 5/23/23 – Hospitalization: Struck-By The injured employee was working on the rigging when a chunk broke loose above him and rolled down and struck him. 8/25/23 – Hospitalization: Struck-By A boulder rolled off the hill and struck the employee in the back. Employee was life flighted to Legacy Emanuel hospital in Portland. 12/1/23 – Hospitalization: Impact/Roll Over The employee was walking on a log and the log rolled down the hill with him on it, rolling over him. Employee was conscious, but with a possible crushed ear, broken arm, and leg. The employee was wearing all required PPE. 2/6/24 – Hospitalization: Struck-By A chunk of wood rolled down the hill, hit a stump and veered off to the right, and hit an employee’s right side. The employee was life flighted to a hospital. The employee was admitted into the hospital for a broken collar bone and fractured skull. A couple of these rigging accidents were from debris coming off the landing and rolling downhill. I would encourage after every road change a brief meeting be conducted between the landing crew and the rigging crew. One major purpose for this meeting is to survey the landing to ensure nothing is on the verge of coming loose or being jarred to roll downhill by an incoming turn of logs. Also survey the landing to ensure it has enough room to safely land and deck logs or tree-lengths. It is crucial for shovel operators to communicate with the rigging crews, when there is a possibility of something coming off the landing. Operators need to inform the rigging crew when they can or cannot hook multiple tree-lengths, as too many logs at one time can become a big issue. Following is an OR-OSHA rule that would be a great safety meeting topic: 437-007-0910 Landing Logs (5) When yarding uphill the landing chute must be cleared of logs before the next turn of logs is landed unless: a. The logs are fully contained in the landing chute; or b. There is no possibility that personnel working below the landing may be struck by sliding or rolling logs or materials coming off the landing. (6) Logs must not be disturbed or moved from the chute when personnel working below could be struck by logs, chunks or other material sliding or rolling off the landing. We all want to see people go home safely every day. So, let’s make an effort to avoid these struck-by type of accidents. As always, if you need assistance please give your AOL Safety Management Consultant a call. Stay Safe! t
28 The Mainline Safety & Health Forest contractors are encouraged to plan for a safe and fire-free season! Normal contractor diligence should deploy fire precautions on every jobsite, throughout the summer—while also paying attention to unexpected dry days before and after declared fire season. 2024 Summer Fire Hazard Forecast is “Normal” for Oregon Forests During declared forest fire season, Oregon operators can expect summer’s normal warm-dry conditions, primarily during July through September. Forest Fire Weather Forecast Plan for a Normal Dry Industrial Summer Season ›By Rex Storm, Executive Vice President The most recent May 1 ‘National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook’ forecast for Oregon forests calls for average temperature and summer precipitation for all Oregon forestland zones, during July through August. However, “above normal significant fire potential” is forecast for the rangelands of Southeast Oregon. “Normal significant fire potential” for Oregon forests this summer is forecasted by the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise. Significant fire potential is the likelihood that large forest wildfires could readily ignite, rapidly spread, and demand extraordinary firefighting effort and cost. The Pacific Ocean is cooling, triggering a La Nina weather pattern that is likely to return by end of the summer across the Pacific Northwest, as predicted May 9 by the National Weather Service. La Nina winters are generally cooler and wetter in the Northwest. On May 9, Cascades snowpack was 131% of average, but Deschutes, Crook, Lake, and Klamath counties were in “moderate drought.” Few Industrial-Caused Fire Starts Last Summer 2023 Contractor forest fire prevention and initial attack were successful last summer in 2023! Despite July through September’s punishing dry conditions, industrial forest operators and their crews effectively prevented and extinguished most all operation fires. Continue Great Prevention in 2024! This summer, contractors and timber purchasers can expect many days of regulated Oregon industrial fire restrictions/shutdowns, which would reduce production days and hours. Plan ahead, adjust plans weekly, and design fire-safe operations. And, plan in-advance to request regulation waivers, as appropriate. Contractors should never let-down their guard concerning fire precautions! Please keep wildfire prevention at top-of-mind for your jobsites, as Oregon forests make their way to drier periods this month and throughout the 2024 declared fire season. Negligence and Liability Oregon forest operators are reminded that the burden for jobsite fire precaution compliance rests with the contract
29 June 2024 Safety & Health operator, on forests protected by Oregon Dept. of Forestry**. It’s the contractor’s legal responsibility to assure two actions: 1. Comply with industrial fire prevention and burning regulations; and 2. Make every reasonable effort to safely report and begin to suppress any unwanted fire start on the operating area. A breakdown in either of these two responsibilities prior to a wildfire escape, could be determined as contractor “negligence” in a fire investigation**. The potential cost ramification of a non-compliance misstep could run a “negligent” contractor into unlimited liability for millions of dollars in firefighting costs for an escaped large fire. However, if an operation remains compliant with the rules, the maximum operator extra fire liability for a non- negligent fire is capped at $300,000**. (**Note: U.S. Forest Service has different forest fire liability rules; based-on causation proven of negligence) Every Precaution Important! With the forest conditions changing daily during fire season, managers warn that forest fuels can rapidly become vulnerable to fire. Contractors need to ready their fire prevention program and daily check condition forecasts and regulated ratings, ‘Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL).’ Costly Oregon operation fires are more likely when there’s low humidity, dry fuel, hot temperature, wind, and/or dry east wind. ;Make daily jobsite-tailored precautions; always have fire equipment ready onsite ;Train field employees for readiness to report and stop an operation fire start ;Get fire precaution checklists from Dept. of Forestry and landowners ;Alert crews, forest users, family and neighbors about forest fire prevention For more information, visit: • ODF: www.oregon.gov/odf/ • Keep Oregon Green: www.keeporegongreen.org/ • NW Interagency Coordination Center: www.nwccweb.us/ • USFS fire weather forecasts: www.nifc.gov/nicc/ t
30 The Mainline OPL & Professional Qualification OPL REVIEW Current News and Educational Opportunities for OPL Qualification June 2024 Oregon Professional Logger (OPL) administered by AOL OPL UPDATES—Latest news about OPL requirements and 2023 individual qualification COMPLETE NEW OPL QUALIFICATION BY END OF 2024 ;To keep OPL next year, each OPL company must employ an OPL-trained person ; That individual “Qualified Professional” (QP) must complete four new core courses, have valid first aid card, and obtain continuing education credits (CE) ;Individual qualification = employed person attends new courses only one time ;WHY?—OPL-qualified individual employed by each OPL contractor is now required by SFI-certified mills and landowners WHAT TO DO? • ‘Bridge’ OPL Qualified Companies—No later than December 31, 2024, four new required OPL core QP courses must be completed by one employed Qualified Professional (QP) person. • Optional Onsite Supervisor (OS)—Add extra field supervision; one new full-day OS course. • In-person or online QP and OS courses now available. • QP Course registration required—Contact AOL to attend; $60 fee/person/course. 2023 OPL CHANGE In 2023, the OPL Standard changed to require individual person qualification, employed by the company. To maintain company OPL-qualification—at least one individual employed by each contract logging company must take OPL core courses one-time for the Qualified Professional (QP), plus the person must every two years complete OPL-CE credits and show a valid first aid card. COMPLETE NEW OPL QUALIFICATION BY END OF 2024 ;2023 OPL standard requires one-time, 4x course, individual Qualified Professional (QP) ;Individual qualification = employed person must attend new courses once during 2023–2024 For more OPL information about the individual qualification, course schedule, and registration, call AOL at 503.364.1330, or online: https://oregonloggers.org/page/OPL Oregon Professional Logger program (OPL) is a voluntary professional standard that qualifies logging operator individuals and their employer company, in a program of continuing education about Oregon forest practices, safety, business, and sustainable forestry. OPL is the ‘Qualified Logging Professional’ training program, recognized by Oregon’s Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). The OPL is administered by Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc, for loggers and forest operators working in Oregon forests. OPL CE RESOURCES—Finding continuing education (CE) classes for individuals OPL PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION CORE COURSES A total of 25 in-person OPL core courses are scheduled during 2024, for locations in all five regions of the state. These OPL core courses are the one-time requirement for individuals seeking to complete the individual qualification for Qualified Professional (QP) and Onsite Supervisor (OS). • By the end of 2024, each OPL company to retain their OPL status must employ at least one OPL Qualified Professional (QP) trained person. • Coming soon! Stay tuned! Online, on-demand, OPL core courses will be available this summer! • To view a full-year 2024 listing of 25 OPL in-person courses and their locations, please view the full-year schedule in this Mainline. • The 2024 OPL Course Schedule is also available online at the AOL website: www.oregonloggers.org.
31 June 2024 OPL & Professional Qualification LIST BELOW SHOWS SOME OFFERINGS for OPL-CE CREDIT (CONTINUING EDUCATION) • Any training or education program offered by any other provider can apply as OPL-CE credit, for a QP or OS person. • Meetings or trainings from timber purchaser/landowner/mill does apply for OPL-CE credit, for a QP or OS person. • Submit to AOL—Your proof of completion to receive OPL-CE credit [AOL Proof of Completion form]. • For additional resource partners for CE continuing education: https://oregonloggers.org/page/OPLContinuingEducationResources. DATE EVENT 2024 Third Wednesday Monthly Workforce Development, Workshop Series; 2 OPL-CE credits each. Virtual Zoom or in-person options; locations and topics to be determined Series runs January thru December 2024; 10am–Noon each workshop Forest Resource Association and Western Forestry & Conservation Assoc. www.westernforestry.org/upcoming-conferences/, 503.226.4562 June 13–15 Oregon Family Forest Convention and Tree Farm Tour; OPL-CE credits. Lebanon; Best Western Boulder Falls Inn; Oregon Small Woodlands Association; Oregon Tree Farm System Includes tours; registration at: www.oswa.org September 28 Tree School Umpqua; OPL-CE credits. Roseburg; Umpqua Community College; pre-registration required Full-day of short-courses; required pre-registration Stay tuned for details; $85 registration opens date, online; registration fills fast https://extension.oregonstate.edu/tree-school/regional-tree-schools October 5 Tree School Field Day, Oregon City; OPL-CE credits. Oregon City; Hopkins Demonstration Forest; pre-registration required; stay tuned for details https://extension.oregonstate.edu/tree-school/regional-tree-schools October 10 Scaling for Non-Scalers; 6 OPL-CE credits. Wilsonville; Holiday Inn Portland South; registration $395 by 9/27, $495 after www.westernforestry.org/, Western Forestry & Cons Assoc., 503.226.4562 To find more great forestry short-programs, held statewide by OR State University Forestry Extension, go to the OSU-Extension website: • http://extensionweb.forestry.oregonstate.edu/; Click on “Events Calendar” at bottom of webpage; then click “See All Events.” • Forestry Extension—Tree School Online Library features 52 past recorded webinars, featuring favorite Tree School topics. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/tree-school/regional-tree-schools OTHER POPULAR TRAINING PROVIDERS Community Colleges in Oregon www.educationatlas.com/oregon-community-colleges.html OR Small Business Development Centers (20 locations) www.bizcenter.org OR Construction Contractors Board www.oregon.gov/CCB/ OR Bureau of Labor & Industries https://www.oregon.gov/BOLI/pages/index.aspx OR-OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Admin) https://osha.oregon.gov/edu/Pages/index.aspx OR-OSHA Online Courses https://osha.oregon.gov/edu/courses/Pages/default.aspx OR Employment Department – OR WorkSource www.worksourceoregon.org www.qualityinfo.org SAIF Corp., safety & workers’ comp training programs https://www.saif.com/trainings.html Western Forestry & Conservation Assoc www.westernforestry.org OPL QUESTIONS? As an AOL member—when you are logged-in to the AOL website you can access many training resources: • Member-only resources: https://oregonloggers.org/page/OnlineOPLCredits • Email your inquiry to: [email protected] • Visit the AOL website (Oregon Professional Loggers page): https://oregonloggers.org/page/OPL • Or call the AOL office for assistance, at: 503.364.1330. t
32 The Mainline OPL & Professional Qualification 2024 SCHEDULE – OPL-CORE COURSES Oregon Professional Logger—Associated Oregon Loggers SFI Sustainable Forestry Initiative—Oregon SIC OPL-Core Courses scheduled during 2024; in-person at locations in each of FIVE REGIONS • Located near your business—5x full-sets of all four required QP courses; and five OS courses • ‘Bridge’ OPL qualification expires 12/31/24, for individuals not yet completing OPL-QP and OPL-CE • Online Courses: OPL-OS Online available now. OPL-QP Online courses pending later in 2024 • 2024 OPL Core Course registration required—Register now—$60 fee per course • To register or more information, visit: www.oregonloggers.org/ or call AOL 503.364.1330 CORE OPL-QP COURSES • One-time only required core OPL courses to train individuals for OPL-QP (or OPL-OS qualification) • For company to be OPL-qualified, must employ one QP individual, and crews overseen by a QP or OS • Core OPL courses (each a one-day class) are as follows: Qualified Professional (OPL-QP)—Four courses required plus valid first aid card, for the QP individual 1. QP-Sustainable Forestry (required for QP only) 2. QP-Forest Practices (required for QP only) 3. QP-Business & Leadership (required for QP only) 4. QP-Safety & Technology (required for QP only) Onsite Supervisor (OPL-OS)—One course required plus valid first aid card, for the OS individual • OS-Onsite Supervisor (required for the optional OS qualification) › **OS is an optional qualification available for additional supervising individuals (& larger employers) QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL COURSES (QP) IN-PERSON 2024 NORTHWEST OREGON—QP COURSES January 23 Salem, OPL-QP Safety & Technology; Chemeketa Community College 8am–5pm January 24 Salem, OPL-QP Business & Leadership; Chemeketa Community College 8am–5pm January 31 Tillamook, OPL-QP Sustainable Forestry; Tillamook Bay Community College 7:30am–4:30pm February 1 Tillamook, OPL-QP Forest Practices; Tillamook Bay Community College 7:30am–4:30pm 2024 MID-VALLEY OREGON—QP COURSES March 19 Albany, OPL-QP Safety & Technology; Linn-Benton Community College 7:30am–4:30pm March 20 Albany, OPL-QP Business & Leadership; Linn-Benton Community College 7:30am–4:30pm October 22 Eugene, OPL-QP Sustainable Forestry; Lane Community College 7:30am–4:30pm October 23 Eugene, OPL-QP Forest Practices; Lane Community College 7:30am–4:30pm 2024 DOUGLAS-COOS OREGON—QP COURSES May 7 Roseburg, OPL-QP Sustainable Forestry; Umpqua Community College 7:30am–4:30pm May 8 Roseburg, OPL-QP Forest Practices; Umpqua Community College 7:30am–4:30pm May 21 Coos Bay, OPL-QP Safety & Technology; SW Oregon Community College 7:30am–4:30pm May 22 Coos Bay, OPL-QP Business & Leadership; SW Oregon Community College 7:30am–4:30pm 2024 NORTHEAST OREGON—QP COURSES March 13 Pendleton, OPL-QP Sustainable Forestry; Blue Mtn Community College 7:30am–4:30pm March 14 Pendleton, OPL-QP Forest Practices; Blue Mtn Community College 7:30am–4:30pm June 12 Pendleton, OPL-QP Safety & Technology; Blue Mtn Community College 7:30am–4:30pm June 13 Pendleton, OPL-QP Business & Leadership; Blue Mtn Community College 7:30am–4:30pm 2024 SOUTHWEST OREGON—QP COURSES November 7 Medford, OPL-QP Sustainable Forestry; Rogue Community College 7:30am–4:30pm November 8 Medford, OPL-QP Forest Practices; Rogue Community College 7:30am–4:30pm November 19 Medford, OPL-QP Safety & Technology; Rogue Community College 7:30am–4:30pm November 20 Medford, OPL-QP Business & Leadership; Rogue Community College 7:30am–4:30pm ONSITE SUPERVISOR—OS COURSES IN-PERSON NORTHWEST. March 28. Salem, OPL-Onsite Supervisor; Chemeketa Community College 8am–5pm MID-VALLEY. May 30. Eugene, OPL-Onsite Supervisor; Lane Community College 7:30am–4:30pm NORTHWEST. June 4. Tillamook, OPL-Onsite Supervisor; Tillamook Community College 7:30am–4:30pm SOUTHWEST. October 24. Coos Bay, OPL-Onsite Supervisor; SW OR Community College 7:30am–4:30pm NORTHEAST. Autumn TBD. Pendleton, OPL-Onsite Supervisor; Blue Mtn Community College 7:30am–4:30pm
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