For Northwest loggers, work is a source of pride — and danger

Since the late 1800s, logging has been a major industry in the Pacific Northwest, and its impact on the region's economy and environment have been significant.

For the towns that depend on logging, the profession comes with a lot of pride. But it’s also one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 4 in 100,000 people die from injury at work. For loggers, it’s more than 10 times as much.

Logging has always been dangerous work. But how it can be done safely is still something many are trying to figure out. 

To learn more, Soundside spoke with Kurtis Lee, economics correspondent for the New York Times, and the University of Washington's Dr. Marissa Baker. 

Guests:

• Kurtis Lee, economics correspondent for the New York Times. 
• Dr. Marissa Baker, assistant professor in the University of Washington’s Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences.

Related Links: 

Read Kurtis Lee's story on logging in Oregon here: 

• Logging Is the Deadliest Job, but Still an Oregon Way of Life - The New York Times

Read Dr. Marissa Baker's research on logging here:

• Determinants of Stress, Fatigue, and Injury Risk for Loggers and Log Truck Drivers | Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center
• Job Satisfaction in the Logging Industry | Blogs | CDC

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