Drought Impacts Contractors

Vol. 27 No. 09 September, 2015 *800-452-6023*PO Box 12339 Salem, OR 97309 *www.oregonloggers.org* Drought Impacts Contractors by Rex Storm, Forest Policy Manager hrough August, the is continued above average * Rotary saw heat cutting, roading, and load- 2015 drought has temperature and typically- * Electric/hydraulic ing. T already become un- low summer precipitation malfunction AOL is tracking the pro- precedented in how Oregon statewide. During Octo- * Fire watch mistakes duction impacts of industrial forest contracting statewide ber, fire hazards may sub- * Tracks on rock fire precaution regulations has been interrupted by fire side. The forecast for Sep- * Chainsaw exhaust on logging. Through hazards and prevention tember predicts “above * Cable rigging heat 8/21/15, we estimate a 126 shutdowns. Hundreds of normal significant large * Escaped burning million bdft loss of harvest severe wildfires across the fire potential” for all Ore- Industrial Shutdowns volume production, due to Northwest states in August gon forests. Lengthy in 2015. Record- Oregon fire shutdowns. sapped firefighting capaci- Every Precaution Im- setting dry forest condi- The benefit of these in- ty, and further elevated the portant! Forest operators tions and wildfire danger dustrial fire prevention shut- prevention caution among should continue their due regulations have slowed downs is the uncommonly- landowners and OR Dept. diligence at taking jobsite- logging production more low incidence of industrial- of Forestry foresters. tailored precautions, and than in recent summers. caused forest fires this sum- Cooperators Reduce prevent any fire start from Oregon commercial har- mer. The cost of these in- Fire Incidence. Oregon escaping and exploding vest operations have ex- dustrial fire prevention shut- logging contractors are re- into a multi-million dollar perienced regulated in- downs is the fiscal impact minded that your industrial liability catastrophe. It’s dustrial fire prevention on contractors and employ- precaution efforts are an the contractor’s legal re- shutdowns that have se- ees, the absence of crews in important principal in pre- sponsibility to assure two verely reduced log vol- the woods to help fight pub- venting large forest fires actions: 1) comply with ume delivered to mills. lic fires, plus lost timber across Oregon’s for- industrial fire and burning During late July and volume in the timber supply estlands. Forest contractors regulations; and 2) make August, much logging chain. are important cooperators every reasonable effort to and trucking was reduced Although the duration who support Oregon’s safely suppress any jobsite under Oregon’s regulated and scope of IFPL shut- complete and coordinated wildfire start. forest Industrial Fire Pre- downs this summer has forest fire prevention pro- Good fire preparedness caution Level (IFPL) been extraordinary, ODF gram. While industrial- planning on each jobsite shutdowns: ‘IFPL 3- districts and forest landown- caused fires are a small can prevent your operation Partial Shutdown’ shuts ers know of the impacts and portion of wildfires—far from becoming a fire loss most cable logging & they have worked to mini- less than other human- casualty. Beware of the powersaw falling, while mize operation shutdowns; causes and lightning—our recent top-causes of forest ‘IFPL 4-Full Shutdown’ industrial shutdowns are prevention efforts remain operation fires: shuts all forest logging, limited to only the most critical to protect machin- necessary hazardous days. ery, timber and firefighting September, 2015 Thank you for your supe- investments. Oregon Market Spotlight………………………..………..Page 3 rior fire prevention! Forest Dry September Fore- contractors are urged to cast. The September Logging Supervisor Training “Last Chance”…….…..Page 6 continue extra effort to pre- ‘Wildland Fire Outlook’ vent fires. forecast for Oregon forests Applications Sought for OFRI Board…………………..Page 7

The AOL Mainline September, 2015 PAGE 2 “The Official Newsletter of Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc.” 2014 Oregon Timber Harvest by Rex Storm, Forest Policy Manager

or the second year, Eastside National For- fiber.} lion bdft cut in 2009. Be- Oregon’s 2014 est Harvest Improves: Industrial forests cause these non-industrial F statewide sawlog Amid all the US Forest [19% of OR forest acre- private owners (<5,000 harvest volume has held Service and political rhet- age]: Industrial lands lead acres) are sensitive to log above 4 billion board feet/ oric about “increasing the Oregon’s entire statewide price, rising log prices mo- year. Continued improve- pace” of Eastside federal harvest, slipping 137 mil- tivated more harvest. Non- ment in markets for both harvest, national forest lion bdft in 2014 from the industrial forests cut 14% US housing and exports sawlog harvest from East- prior year. This brought of all statewide volume. (log & lumber) elevated ern Oregon in 2014 actual- the industrial total to State, County, Tribal & last year’s harvest total ly did increase 32% over 2.625 billion bdft, a 5% Other public forests [5% of from all ownerships to 4.13 2013, by 28 million bdft to drop from 2013 harvest. forestland]: Harvest from billion board feet/year, alt- 117 million bdft. While Industrial forests cut 64% the other public forest land- hough 2% below the prior this improvement appears of all statewide volume. owners (State, county, trib- year. In perspective, the celebratory, caution is in Federal public forests al, other public) saw the 2014 harvest volume was order. The 2014 increase [61% of forestland]: greatest decline, falling 6% 50% above 2009’s historic is more tempered, when Federal timber purchasers in 2014 to 347 million bdft. low of 2.75 billion bdft, and compared to the 10-year in 2014 harvested 38 mil- Harvest prohibition of ap- just 320 million bdft below average Eastside national lion bdft more than in prox. 30 million bdft/year the 20-year high annual forest harvest—2014 2013, at 595 million bdft. from the Elliott State Forest harvest of 2004. Eastside national forest Federal harvest was just explains the decline. The Volumes were published harvest was just 8 million 14% of the statewide total ‘State and Other’ category in July, in Oregon Dept. of bdft above the 10-year volume. of harvest was just 8% of Forestry’s 2014 Annual average (+7%). {Note: Family forest/non- all statewide harvest. Timber Harvest Report, This statewide harvest industrial [15% of for- Outlook: Forest ana- available online: volume is reported in net estland]: Small-tract lysts forecast 2015 www.oregon.gov/odf/ sawlog; contrasted with woodlots saw the greatest statewide Oregon harvest to Pages/state_forests/frp/ the USFS elsewhere re- increase in 2014, boosting remain comparable to this annual_reports.aspx. ports gross fiber volume, annual harvest by 9%, to year’s volume—at approxi- Eastside Oregon Lags including high percent- 558 million bdft; far mately 4.1 billion bdft. Westside Region: The re- ages of non-merchantable above the meager 93 mil- Forecasters differ on sec- gional location of harvest ond half 2015 harvest de- volume tells an alarming mand, even though US story for Eastern Oregon’s AOL housing starts appear on the forest sector. Regardless of increase to finish the year improved forest product Membership over 1.2 million units. Un- markets, the Eastside failed certainty about the remain- to share in opportunities, as Renewal der of 2015 surrounds Eastern OR harvest volume A Final Friendly Reminder weaker log & lumber ex- fell 10% to a total of 371 ports to flagging economies million bdft. Eastside de- f you have not sent in keep your membership in in China & Asia, October clines would have been your 2015-16 AOL good standing please expiration of the Softwood more severe, were it not for I membership dues don’t forget to send in Lumber Agreement that a boost from fire salvage in please do so today. your renewal. now limits Canadian lum- Lake County and a new The final renewal bill- If you have any ques- ber entering the US, a like- national forest 10-year con- ing went out last month, tions please call the office ly Fed increase in lending tract begun in Harney and in just a few days the at 503-364-1330. Thank rates, and fire shutdowns of County. Western OR har- cancellation process will you. logging. vest slipped just 35 million begin. bdft (-1%), to 3.755 billion We understand if bdft.. you’ve been busy, but to

The AOL Mainline September, 2015 “The Official Newsletter of Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc.” PAGE 3 Oregon Market Spotlight Monthly Report About Wood Product Markets, Which Affect Demand for Oregon Timber Harvest by Rex Storm, Forest Policy Manager ousing Starts composite made of com- outpace construction de- thousand bdft. lumber tal- Strong in Sum- pressed waste wood. RFP mand, and mills experi- ly; thousand sqft. Panels. mer: US housing employs 3,000, owns 13 enced downward price Log Markets: During H nd starts were at a seasonally- forest product plants in pressure. The indices the 2 quarter of 2015, adjusted annual rate of 1.21 OR, CA, MT, MS and listed below are compo- domestic log prices for Or- million units in July, 0.2% LA, plus 600,000-acres of sites of various grades & egon regions and species over the June rate, and 10% OR & CA timberland. regions of lumber and ply- were mixed. Hem-fir con- above July 2014, according WestRock Buys New- wood/OSB, reported week- sistently fell 5% to 15%, to the US Census Bureau berg Paper Mill: The SP ly by Random Lengths pine declined 1-2%, while and HUD Dept. July’s Fiber Technologies pulp Publications, in Eugene. Doug fir and alder prices building permits fell to & paper mill in Newberg, For more information were up or down a couple 1.12 million units/year, or has been acquired by about wood product mar- percent. Domestically- 16% below June. Home WestRock Co. The New- kets & publications, go processed log prices shown builder confidence in mar- berg mill consumes wood online at: www.random- below are pond values kets for new single-family chips and recycled content lengths.com or phone 888- from sample regions, re- homes rose 1-point, to a to produce kraft paper, 686-9925. ported quarterly online by score of 61 in August, its linerboard, and newsprint. Random Lengths Index * OR Dept. of Forestry, at: highest in a decade, accord- WestRock is a global pa- 8/21/15 7/17/15 Year Ago www.oregon.gov/odf/ ing to the National Assoc. per & packaging firm, Framing Lumber Compo- state_forests/timber_sales/ of Home Builders-Wells owning 275 facilities in site Price[mbf] logpage.shtml. Fargo Housing Index. An 30 countries, with 40,000 $319 $344 $405 2015 – 2nd Quarter, Log index score over 50 indi- employees. Structural Panel Compo- Prices, Pond Value # cates that more builders Lumber & Plywood site Price[msf] NW-Willamette Region— view sales conditions as Markets: Since July 1st, $354 $352 $409 Species & Grade# $/mbf “good.” structural lumber & panel * Source: Random Lengths Doug fir 2S 585 Seneca Upgrade: Eu- inventories continued to Publications, Inc. -- $ per Hemlock 3S 435* gene-based Seneca Alder, 10-11” 650* Sawmill Co. is building Roseburg-Coos Region— new $60 million dry kilns 2015 AOL Events Calendar Species & Grade# $/mbf at its Eugene sawmill com- Doug fir 2S 610* plex. The addition expands Fall Board Meeting………...... September 11 - 12 Hem-Wf 3S 445* dried lumber output from Best Western Ocean View Resort……...Seaside Alder, 10-11” 600* its dimensional and stud Room Reservations……………...503-738-3334 Grants Pass Region — mills. Founded in 1954, Meal Reservations…....AOL Registration Form Species & Grade# $/mbf Seneca employs 450, has a Doug fir 2S 645* 650 million bdft lumber Supervisor Training……………….September 19 Hemlock CR,12” 475* capacity from its Eugene & Holiday Inn Express………………...Roseburg P Pine 3S 435* Noti sawmills and biomass To Sign up…………...AOL Registration Form Klamath Falls Region — plant, plus owns 156,000 Species & Grade# $/mbf acres of timberlands in Basic Forest Practices Workshop...November 13 P Pine 14-22” 370* western OR. 9:00am - 4:00pm…………………….....Friday True fir 14-22” 385* RFP Purchases MDF Valley River Inn……………….……...Eugene Lodgepole CR 325* Plant: Oregon’s largest To Sign up……………………call AOL office Doug fir 14-22” 470* privately-held forest firm, # Source: OR Dept. of For- Roseburg Forest Products Statewide Safety Conference……...November 14 estry—$ per thousand bdft. Co. announced its pending 8:00am - 4:00pm…………………….Saturday log scale, pond value. purchase of Sierra Pine’s Valley River Inn……………………....Eugene * Based on 5 or fewer Medium Density Fiber- Register…………………………..……...AOL quotes. board (MDF) plant in Med- Room Reservations…………....800-543-8266 ford. MDF is a trim-

The AOL Mainline September, 2015 PAGE 4 “The Official Newsletter of Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc.”

As We See It

Why Are We Loggers? by Myles Anderson, Anderson Logging Inc.

s my presidency of the infamous comment California, the system has people that have a strong the American Log- “you could have called all but ground to a stop by work ethic. In a world A gers Council me”. If it isn’t concern regulation. where so many people sit in comes to a close I wanted for our safety, it is the A discussion of the offices answering a phone to sum up the many issues I amazement that we would challenges faced by log- or some other equally bor- have spoken to over the choose to fix a piece of gers is not complete with- ing job, our job is never past year. While loggers broken down iron over out talking about the peo- boring, it may be hard, dirty may relate to this specifi- going to a child’s sporting ple we log for. We all and dangerous, but not bor- cally, all facets of the wood event or recital. Logging have worked for some of ing. products industry should be is a hard business; most the finest people there are; Another question that cognizant of what is hap- wives would agree being fair, respectful and honest. must be asked is why we pening around them. married to a logger is We as the logging indus- see so few people coming I often ask myself, “why nearly impossible. try must remember to into this industry. While am I a logger?” Maybe a For those of us that thank them every chance there are many simple rea- better question is why does don’t mind working long we have and do all we can sons, I believe it also has to anyone decide they want to hours and are lucky to help them survive in a do with the attitude and ex- be a logger? After doing it enough to have a wife that tough industry. We have pectations of the new breed for a while, why do we is understanding, we still also all worked for other of large forest landowners. continue and not go down face a few more challeng- landowners that seem to Our timberland historically another career path? es. While most of our stay awake at night trying was owned by people that Many people we went to neighbors live in wood to come up with ways to respected the land and had a school with and many of houses they have a serious make our lives miserable. long term vision of manage- our associates believe an problem with cutting When a landowner acts ment. More often than not, eight hour a day, five days down trees. It seems we unethically it is not done now timberland is consid- a week job is grueling. In are forever explaining the in a vacuum, the environ- ered a commodity and man- our business, we’re lucky if resilience of the forest and mental community, regu- aged by accountants. In we get away with an occa- the need to manage it. I lators and all their neigh- some instances the owning sional twelve hour day. like to explain that if we bors know it and any hard entity has little or no con- When you do get home don’t manage the land earned trust that may have nection to the ground, before dark; in the back of Mother Nature will and been achieved is out the shows no respect for the our minds we wonder what the current fires in the Pa- window. As we all know people that do the work on did we forgot to do that cific Northwest are a good in our industry, trust is it and don’t seem to under- resulted in this unexpected example of that type of important, hard to stand or chose to ignore luxury. management. achieve, and easy to lose. how their management deci- We all remember the When our neighbors So back to my original sions impact the land and night that the yarder or the don’t approve of cutting question, why are we log- the communities that de- loader broke down and we down trees, the regulators gers? I believe it is be- pend on it. worked late into the even- jump on the bandwagon cause we enjoy the chal- Issues like these keep a ing to get it ready for the with good intentions, but lenge, we do something logging business owner next day. We come home the cumulative impact of that many can criticize but from staying optimistic later than normal, filthy these regulations is never few can actually do. We about the future which in dirty, only to meet our really considered. This is enjoy actually accom- turn trickles down to the wives at the back door with another challenge for the plishing something every “As We See It” that look on their face and loggers, and in the state of day and associating with Continued on Page 5

The AOL Mainline September, 2015 “The Official Newsletter of Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc.” PAGE 5

“As We See It” Continued From Page 4 employees. The trend of find a way to get the job challenges is the right The American Loggers loggers being nothing more done. This can do spirit is thing to do and it is just Council is a non-profit 501 than a line item on the not found in every occupa- another reason why I am (c) (6) corporation repre- profit and loss sheet will tion and in most cases proud that I chose to be- senting professional timber exacerbate this shortage of cannot be taught. I feel come a logger. harvesters in 30 states logging infrastructure into very fortunate to have across the US. For more the future. grown up with and contin- Myles Anderson is the information, visit their web Loggers face issues eve- ue to work side by side current President of the site at ry day from safety, produc- with loggers, both in my American Loggers Coun- www.americanloggers.org tivity, transportation, and home state and across the cil and he and his father or contact their office at finding revenue generating nation. While some may Mike own and operate 409-625-0206. work to name a few, but in call me crazy, I believe Anderson Logging, Inc. the end those that call that managing a renewable based out of Fort Bragg, themselves loggers always resource regardless of its CA. OSHA to Define “Reasonable Diligence” by Randy Ingraham, Insurance Manager

mployers in Oregon Goodman of Cummins, for failing to satisfy their determine if an employer are subject to fines Goodman, Denley & burden of proving demonstrated “reasonable E from OR-OSHA for Vickers PC. The court “employer know-ledge” diligence” be written in a workplace safety violations, agreed with the CC&L of a violation. Employers rule or agency directive of unless the employer can Roofing defense that they turned out in mass for the some kind. AOL attended, show they have exercised were not “strictly liable” meetings, and helped OR- along with Mr. Goodman “reasonable diligence” and because one of their com- OSHA abandon the idea and other employer repre- could not have known the pany supervisors was in- of initiating rule writing sentatives a meeting con- violation existed or oc- volved in the commission until recently. vened by OR-OSHA to dis- curred. Defenses like the of a violation which hap- In 2014 OR-OSHA cuss how the agency might “isolated act of a lone em- pened to be observed by lost another case, this satisfy the court on July 22, ployee” and “rogue super- an OR-OSHA Safety time in Oregon’s highest 2015 in Portland. At that visor” are hard for employ- Compliance Officer, and court where “employer meeting both OR-OSHA ers to establish because OR that OR-OSHA had failed knowledge” and and employers tentatively -OSHA has never spelled to meet their burden of “reasonable diligence” agreed that a rule would be out what “reasonable dili- proving “employer were the issue. In OR- preferred over some sort of gence” meant. This legal knowledge”. That deci- OSHA vs. CBI Services, agency directive, and that issue surfaced statewide sion didn’t sit well at OR- Inc. the Supreme Court further discussions were when the Oregon Court of OSHA and public meet- ruled in favor of CBI Ser- needed. The next meeting Appeals decided against the ings were held in 2012 by vices and remanded back is in August, 2015 and AOL agency in OR-OSHA vs. the agency to test the wa- to OR-OSHA that will attend and represent CC&L Roofing, represent- ters before drafting a rule “reasonable diligence”, our members. ed by longtime AOL busi- that would help the agen- and the factors that should ness associate George cy avoid losing in court be used by the agency to Country Traveler Online Welcome New Member Northwest District feature article... Jackman Contract Cutting LLC

Telephone Consultation for AOL Members “Private Timber Owners for Wage & Hour Discrimination Matters, Work to Prevent Personnel and Labor Law Issues Forest Fires…” Please Contact Your Safety Management Consultant www.countrytraveleronline.com

The AOL Mainline September, 2015 PAGE 6 “The Official Newsletter of Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc.” Logging Supervisor Training - Last Chance September 19th, Holiday Inn Express - Roseburg, Oregon by Rod Huffman, Training Director ime is running out The training begins at sor training so they can do jobsite inspections and to register for the 9:00am and lasts until their job better. Under- “competent person” duties T AOL Logging Su- 1:00pm. Participants can standing each supervisors found in OR-OSHA Divi- pervisor Training course to earn up to 4 OPL credits role in the company and sion-7 Forest Activities be held on Saturday, Sep- for your company. how it affects safety and rules. tember 19th in Roseburg. What a better way to production are just a few Fill out the Supervisor Registration is free for show confidence in a of the topics covered. It’s flier and fax to 503-364- members and includes cof- Hook Tender, Loader Op- like getting two logs 0836 or call the AOL office fee, water, pastries and a erator or Siderod then to (bonus) with one choker. @ 503-364-1330 to reserve certificate of completion. send them to this Supervi- This training also covers your seat. Statewide Safety Conference November 14th, Valley River Inn - Eugene, Oregon by Rod Huffman, Training Director t’s that time again! whether personal or pro- to successfully get through safety knowledge Sign up for the 16th fessional. them. We have lots of * Driving Safety… the I Annual AOL Statewide With irrepressible en- vendors and door prizes, rules of the road and grav- Safety Conference Novem- ergy, she taps into her just as in years past. Pow- el ber 14, 2015 at The Valley own experiences to inspire er tools, golf, hard hats, * Line inspection / splic- River Inn, Eugene, Ore- audiences to realize their coats, hats and gift certifi- ing… Getting the most out gon. full potential. Candace cates, just to name a few. of your investment This year’s conference shares her belief that hav- Other notable presenta- Registration for the will feature Candace Car- ing the “Courage to Care” tions: Statewide Safety Confer- nahan. through standing up for * Electric Safety and be- ence is only $30 per mem- Lauded as one of the others is a transformation- yond ber attendee. Look for the “Faces of the Future” by al concept - “If You See * Injury Sources Cause registration in this month’s MacLean’s magazine, Can- Something; Say Some- and Affect Mainline. Mail or fax 503- dace Carnahan uses her thing.” * Safety Moving Equip- 364-0836, or call the AOL unique life lessons to in- Our Statewide Safety ment… with AOL Safety office at 800-452-6023 to spire us to dismantle the Conference program and Management Consultant reserve your seat. roadblocks that hinder effi- speakers emphasize log- * Hearing Protection… ciency, while celebrating ging safety with topics what’s available the attitudes and behaviors focusing on the challenges * Identify the woods Haz- that promote success - companies face and how ard… A game of landing

Join Us… January 14 - 16, 2016 Candace for the Carnahan 46th Annual Convention when Log A Load Goes Country...

The AOL Mainline September, 2015 “The Official Newsletter of Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc.” PAGE 7

HFHC Update: Active Forest Management, Wildlife Habitat and Hunting any hunters and ing timber harvests and Healthy Forests, Healthy and creating thousands of outdoorsmen other management activi- Communities, the forest jobs in rural forested com- M understand that ties, have resulted in un- products industry and oth- munities, it will provide the forest health and wildlife naturally overgrown and ers in supporting the Resil- Forest Service more re- habitat are closely linked. mature forests that do not ient Federal Forests Act sources to hire foresters, As private timberlands be- provide enough food and (HR 2647) that recently fund projects and support come hotspots for the up- habitat for wildlife. passed the U.S. House of multiple-use activities on coming fall hunting sea- Habitat for young for- Representatives with bi- these public lands. sons, the outlook is uncer- est-dependent species has partisan support. Visit HFHC’s Action tain in overstocked, un- all but disappeared from The legislation enables Center at healthyfor- healthy federal forests many national forests the Forest Service to use a ests.org/action_center to where the lack of younger throughout the country, special authority under learn more about the Re- forests is harming many and as a result wildlife federal environmental law silient Federal Forests Act populations of dependent populations in many areas to expedite projects that and other solutions to species, including deer, elk, have declined. Active enhance or create young, promote active manage- and birds popular among forest management would early successional forests ment and improved wild- hunters. enable land managers to for wildlife habitat im- life habitat. Tell your Many species thrive on restore diverse forest provement. It will also Senators it’s time to pass dynamic forest landscapes landscapes by utilizing help the agency increase this legislation or other that were historically commercial timber har- the pace and scale of man- meaningful measures to shaped or “disturbed” by vesting to effectively and agement activities to im- improve federal forest wildfires, insects and wind- efficiently mimic natural prove the natural health of management and support storms. A century of wild- disturbances. That’s why forests and municipal wa- jobs in rural forested fire suppression, combined dozens of hunting, sports- tersheds across the coun- communities. with activist lawsuits and men and conservation try. In addition to support- federal policies discourag- organizations joined ing America’s woodbasket Applications Sought for OFRI Board by Rex Storm, Forest Policy Manager

our board positions statewide; and is funded ing under 20 million bdft/ paying the harvest tax on are open on the Ore- by a harvest tax on forest year; c) one producer recent timber harvesting. F gon Forest Re- products producers board member harvesting Those interested in serv- sources Institute (OFRI) (www.oregonforests.org). 20-100 million bdft/year; ing on OFRI’s Board can board of directors. This 13 State Forester Doug d) one producer board request application materi- -person Board is comprised Decker will fill four va- member harvesting over als from Kathy at: of timber producers that cant seats that qualify un- 100 million bdft/year. [email protected] or phone: pay harvest taxes to support der the following catego- Forest contractors are 971-673-2953. Applica- OFRI programs. OFRI was ries: a) one woodland urged to consider this options must be postmarked created by Oregon’s Legis- owner board member portunity to serve the in- by Sept 18, 2015. lature to advance public owning 100-2,000 acres of dustry; and may qualify understanding of all forests forestland; b) one produc- for either the: seat a) tim- and forest products er board member harvest- berland owner; or seat b) Supervisor Training 2015 donations - received to date... September 19th 9:00am - 1:00pm Holiday Inn Express 375 W Harvard Boulevard Roseburg, OR 97471 To sign up - Please call the AOL Office $104,448.53 This Class is Free to Members

The AOL Mainline September, 2015 PAGE 8 “The Official Newsletter of Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc.” Call AOL Soon After an On-The-Job Accident by Mikael Weaver, Safety Management Consultant ou have all the from the emergency evac- sults in a fatality, discre- fore you call OSHA or required safety uation plan kept on-site. tion should be used and SAIF, we want to help. Y equipment on site, Depending on the nature police or other trained Another helpful resource conduct pre-site and of the injury, the crew has persons may be very help- can be found in the back of monthly safety meetings, already begun first aid and ful. You may or may not the orange AOL Logging promote safe work practic- someone has been sent to feel comfortable notifying Safety Records booklet. In es by setting a good exam- meet the emergency medi- the next of kin but some- addition to sections for re- ple for the crew, and then cal personnel and guide one needs to let them cording safety meetings, the worst thing possible them to the jobsite. The know before they hear it site plan meetings and happens, “We need an am- crew may even be extri- on the news or other me- monthly jobsite inspections, bulance!” After an acci- cating the victim out of a dia. Your next call should our booklet includes infor- dent occurs emotions and steep unit. You have done be to your local AOL mation on what to do in the adrenaline kick into over- everything the way you Safety Management Con- event of an accident; includ- drive and decisions about trained for, and hopefully sultant (if this call has not ing names and numbers of the immediate care of the the victim is on their way already been made.) Your emergency services plus the victim must quickly be to the hospital and a full AOL Safety Management names and numbers of all made, but you are pre- recovery as soon as possi- Consultant is your re- AOL Safety Management pared. All work immedi- ble. source for assistance with Consultants. Hopefully you ately ceases and your well Your job is done, right? the investigation and guid- will never have a serious trained employees have The victim may be on ance with OSHA and in- accident on your jobsite, but already made the initial their way to the hospital surance reporting require- being prepared to handle the assessment of the injured and you may even choose ments. If your company is crisis and calling AOL early worker. The decision to to meet them there but in the SAIF/AOL work- is your best opportunity to call for help is made while there is still plenty left to ers’ compensation insur- manage the event and any directions to the jobsite are do. The family of the vic- ance program, please call repercussions. relayed to the emergency tim also needs to be noti- your AOL Safety Man- medical personnel directly fied. If the accident re- agement Consultant be- Paid Sick Leave Law & Workers’ Comp by Randy Ingraham, Insurance Manager he 79th session of paid personal days off and the class an employee nor- if the employer develops the Oregon Legisla- holiday pay are to be re- mally works in. With the and maintains a tracking T ture adjourned after ported as payroll. Sick new mandates, some busi- system to record pre- passing SB 454 with an leave as required by SB nesses have opted to adopt arranged time off for vaca- effective date of January 1, 454 is not an accepted Paid Time Off [PTO] tion purposes. (Vacation 2016. This new law re- exclusion and must be plans to meet the required purposes do not include pre quires Oregon employers included as subject wages minimum for vacation and -arranged medical exams or outside of Portland with 10 when reporting payroll to sick time. The Oregon procedures.) or more employees to pro- workers’ compensation exception only excludes SAIF Corporation’s web vide paid sick leave annual- insurance carriers. Sick vacation time. Some PTO site http://www.saif.com/ is ly. Bottom line, many leave pay as subject pay- wages may qualify for a good resource for anyone AOL members will be im- roll should be reported in exclusion as vacation pay wanting to know more pacted by the obvious cost about payroll reporting. of paying workers to be Fall Board Meeting Search from their web site absent, and the less obvious for “what to report” and workers’ compensation September 11 - 12th find two tabs, one for cost of reporting sick leave Best Western Ocean View Resort “payroll reported” and the to their carrier. other for “payroll not re- Although vacation pay 414 North Prom - Seaside, Oregon 97138 ported.” is to be excluded from re- 503-738-3334 portable payroll, sick pay,

The AOL Mainline September, 2015

Associated Oregon Loggers

16th Annual Up to 7 OPL-RG Credits Statewide Safety Conference Date: November 14th, 2015 Time: 8am-4pm

At The Valley River Inn, Eugene, OR Hotel Reservations: 1-800-543-8266 Group Code: Associated Oregon Loggers

Company:______Attending:______(Attach additional attendee sheet if needed)

Number of Attending ______X $30.00 = $ ______no credits/refunds after November 5th Please return this registration form and payment to: Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc., PO Box 12339, Salem, OR 97309-0339

Please mark the boxes below if you intend to go to either of the seminars that will be held at The Valley River Inn on Friday November 13th

Basic Forest Practices Workshop (6 OPL-FP Credits) 9am - 4pm *Required Class for initial OPL certification*

Forest Practices Seminar (3 OPL-FP Credits) 6pm - 9pm

You may also call the office to register for any of the above classes 800-452-6023 or 503-364-1330 Associated Oregon Loggers 16th Annual Statewide Safety Conference November 14th, 2015 at The Valley River Inn, Eugene Or

Featuring:

Candace Carnahan

AOL You could win! Hats South Douglas Supply Hard Hats Roberts Supply Co., Inc.

You could win

United Risk A Les Schwab Tires

Power Tool Gift Certificate Emergency Medical Plan, First Aid and Helicopter Rescue

Each employer must develop and implement an Emergency Medical Plan to ensure a sick or injured employee receives prompt treatment. All employees must be knowledgeable of the emergency medical plan. It helps to practice the evacuation plan to be prepared for a medical emergency. Most logging jobs are isolated so it is important to review the emergency medical plan, supplies and coordinate with employees frequently.

OR-OSHA requires employers to have available an emergency medical plan on any job site location lasting more than one day. Written directions for land ambulance must include Township, Range and Section. Helicopter Rescue telephone numbers listing Latitude and Longitude are mandatory for air rescue.

If an accident occurs, administer first-aid (as trained) and set your medical evacuation procedures into action. If there is a risk of the patient losing their life, limb or eyesight a helicopter rescue may be warranted. Remember in many serious accidents the time it takes for a patient to be transferred to a hospital is critical. If the patient has a life threatening injury and they can be transported to a Level One Trauma Center within an hour after the injury their odds of survival increases. The remoteness of your location and how long it will take for a land ambulance to reach the job site should also factor into your decision. It is also important to know that the rescue helicopter is equipped with a higher level of care than land ambulances. A logger can contact the helicopter company directly or through the 911 system.

AOL has emergency evacuation cards including helicopter numbers. An example is listed below.

Medical Evacuation Information Job Name______

Location ______(Township) (Range) (Section) Land Ambulance ______(Company) (Phone) Road Access (Written directions) ______

Helicopter Rescue Company______Phone #______

Helicopter Directions (GPS Coordinates)

N______W ______(Latitude) (Longitude)

Radio Channel______Other Freq. ______(Sending) (Receiving) (Sending) (Receiving)

LifeFlight (Astoria, Aurora, Cottage Grove, Dallesport WA, La Grande, Longview, WA, Ontario and Redmond ...... 1-800-452-7434 AirLink Critical Care (Bend)...... 1-800-621-5433 US Coast Guard (Astoria) ...... 1-503-861-2242 Phone numbers may change, check regularly for any changes US Coast Guard (North Bend) ...... 1-541-756-9210 Mercy Flights (Medford)...... 1-800-786-3729 Reach (Corvallis)...... 1-800-338-4045 Remember! - Stay on the radio or telephone until released by the dispatch

“This information is advisory only. Please refer to the applicable laws and regulations for the specific requirements that govern these matters. Please call your AOL representative if you have any questions. Associated Oregon Loggers, Inc. 2015 After an accident you should call your local AOL Safety Management Consultant. Your AOL Safety Management Consultant is your resource for assistance with the investigation and guidance with OSHA and insurance reporting requirements.

437-007-0220 Medical Services and First Aid. All personnel employed in forest activities must be trained in first aid and CPR as follows: (a) In a language they understand.

(b) Every 2 years or as required by a nationally recognized first aid training provider.

(d) All new employees, other than supervisors and cutters that are not first aid and CPR trained prior to their initial assignment must receive a first aid and CPR briefing.

(e) All new employees must receive first aid and CPR training within 6 months of being hired.

(f) For the initial start-up of a side or operation where new employees are assigned, at least one out of every 5 crew members must be first aid and CPR trained before work starts.

NOTE 1: Log truck drivers and watchers are not required to receive first aid and CPR training if they are not involved with falling, yarding or processing logs.

NOTE 2: See the Oregon OSHA Division 2, Subdivision 2/Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, 1910.1030, Bloodborne Pathogens: if employees come into contact with blood or other potentially infectious material as the result of providing first aid. Follow specific rules for use of gloves and/or a mouth barrier when administering first aid. Vehicles used for the transportation of personnel must carry a first aid kit that is: (a) Suitable for the number of passengers customarily transported. (b) Suitable for the types of injuries that could occur. (c) Located where they are readily available to the driver or crew.

First aid supplies must be regularly inspected, replenished as needed and stored in containers adequate to protect the contents. They must be clearly marked “First Aid.”

First aid kits provided at each worksite must have the following minimum supplies at all times:

8 gauze pads individually wrapped (at least 4” x 4” 2 large gauze pads that are or can be folded to an in size) approximate size of 8”x10” or the equivalent 1 box adhesive bandages 1 package gauze roller bandage at least 2” wide or the equivalent 2 triangular bandages Wound-cleaning agent, such as sealed, moistened towelettes or soap and water Scissors 1 stretcher or equivalent weatherproof litter at any three or more person worksite and at all logging sites 2 blankets, one of which must provide the strength Latex gloves and insulation equivalent to a wool blanket Mouth barrier Tweezers Adhesive tape 2 elastic wraps Splint material

►Review the company’s Medical Evacuation Plan with employees during site-plans for a new job, safety meetings or monthly job site inspections. Each time the job location changes update the evacuation information and share it with each worker.

►The crew needs to be prepared to implement the emergency evacuation plan and provide medical attention as trained until professional help arrives.

The Power of Voluntary Employee Benefits

By: Allen Zwemke, Senior Sales Associate, CFP, Inc.

We have had articles in the past about Voluntary Benefits and their role within the benefits offerings to employees. Many times voluntary benefits are overlooked and not taken seriously when it comes to the positive things they bring to the table for both the employer and the employee.

Voluntary benefits are a great way to give the employees and their families the coverages they are looking for with limited or no cost to the employer. The most popular voluntary benefits offered are dental insurance, vision, and group life insurance. Often overlooked voluntary benefits are Accident Plans, Short Term Disability, and Critical Illness. If an employer offers a medical plan, these voluntary plans can round out and give the employer a nice benefit offerings package to employees.

Employees like having these benefits available to purchase, especially via a payroll deduction. Many employees, and employers for that matter, are not aware of all the different options out there and available to them.

The unseen advantages to having voluntary benefits available is that it’s yet another way to attract and keep employees, thus reducing the expense of hiring new employees. Employees simply don’t want to lose the benefits they have that may not be available with another employer.

Accident Insurance

Another positive is the reduced exposure to the “Monday morning work accident”. Employees, who have purchased an accident policy, will tend to use those benefits if they get hurt over the weekend, rather than dealing with all the issues and paperwork for a workers comp claim, thus reducing exposure to frivolous claims. These plans pay “lump sum” dollars based on the type of injury to the insured. While it’s not fool proof system, it does stand to reason a reduction or elimination could occur. In a nationwide study in 2013 by Lieberman Research Worldwide sponsored by Aflac, the study showed that 42% of all companies providing access to voluntary accident insurance plans experienced declines in their workers’ compensation claims.

Disability Insurance

The statistics for disability plans were similar to the accident plan. Disability insurance is pay check insurance. We insure our houses, cars, health, etc. but do we insure our paycheck that allows us the ability to have our houses, cars, food, and so on? By providing access so employees my elect and enroll for coverage, can pay huge dividends down the road should an employee ever need them. Studies over the years state that 1 in 7 people at some point in their life will have some sort of injury/disability that will keep them out of work for an extended period of time. It’s during this time, while they are out and unable to work, they would benefit from having the disability income protection and be receiving a check.

Critical Illness

Critical Illness plans have been quite the buzz the last few years. These plans cover big ticket items like cancer, heart attack, stroke, etc. Medical bankruptcies won’t happen over a dental or vision claim. A recent study by Windsor Strategy Partners shows a heart attack could result in upwards of $34,000 in non-covered medical expenses. Couple this with most Americans having little to no savings to draw upon, and this could be a financial disaster for a family. Critical Illness plans purchased on a voluntary basis can help bridge the gap and protect families in times of emergencies and crisis. These plans can be purchased from increments $5,000 to $50,000.

Group Life Insurance

Voluntary (or even employer paid) group life insurance is one benefit every group should be offering on some level. Employees may not seek life insurance on their own. Also, individual/private life insurance plans are subject to underwriting which could possibly be declined due to a medical condition. With group life plans, the employees are getting the purchasing power of a group and there could be guaranteed issue amounts ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 with no underwriting requirements regardless of health. Premiums are extremely affordable. Allowing the employees to purchase this benefit via a payroll deduction for the coverage, and they just protected their families with very little effort and ease. Families where the employee is the sole income provider, the spouse will have the protection should an unforeseen death occur.

Most of these voluntary benefits can be purchased with pre-tax premiums similar to health insurance. Having premiums deducted on a pre-tax basis, reduces other taxes such as FICA and FUTA for example. Disability insurance is an exception to the rule. Premiums for this coverage should be deducted on a post-tax basis to ensure the employee get the largest check amount they can. Uncle Sam will always get their taxes one way or another. That being said, it’s easier for an employee to pay a little bit of tax on the premium while they are working, rather than a lot of tax on a benefit check while out on a disability claim. Having premiums deducted on a post-tax basis results in the benefit check not being taxed since the tax was already paid on the premium which will provide the employee with a bigger check amount.

If you have questions please contact CFP, Inc.; we would be glad to help you. Call us at: (866-532-0417) or by email at: [email protected]. CFP has been working with the AOL for over 17 years as their endorsed benefits agent and appreciate the opportunity to help with your benefits planning.