It's no secret that logging is an important, yet risky, profession. The very nature of the job puts workers in perilous positions that require years of experience and expertise to navigate.

According to the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the fatality rate for the logging industry is nearly 74 deaths per 100,000 workers. That's more than 20 times higher than the standard fatality rate in the United States.

If you work in this profession, then you know that logging accidents are not only common, but they can also be costly. That's why you want to make sure you're appropriately protected with a robust insurance policy that can help you recover properly.

Today, we're covering 12 of the most common accidents that can occur on the job, and why it's smart to insure against them.

1. Falling Objects

Loggers are primarily responsible for felling trees and transporting the logs from one site to another. While this task sounds simple in nature, in reality, it's anything but.

Loggers not only work directly with chainsaws and other types of heavy-duty equipment, but they also work in environments that can be treacherous, often felling trees on uneven terrain or in inclement weather.

As they attempt to maneuver on this ground, there's always the risk that a limb, log, or entire tree could fall, roll, or slide on top of them. If the log has already been cut, then it could fall from a piece of loading equipment, such as a skidder, logging truck, or loading platform.

In addition, falling branches are also a concern. Loggers who work at high altitudes are especially vulnerable to this type of accident, as they're closer to top branches when they're in a bucket truck lift or working in the tree itself. Meanwhile, workers below them are also at risk, as they could accidentally drop heavy tools and equipment from their perch.

2. Slips and Falls

Slips and falls account for more than eight million hospital room emergency room visits each year. They're also some of the most common logging injuries. There are many perils that could cause a logger to slip, from muddy ground to rocky earth.

The natural world is also full of many trip hazards, from sinkholes and tree limbs to boulders and wet leaves. These obstacles are on the ground, where anyone could fall on them. Loggers who are working at higher altitudes are also at risk of falling from their lifts.

3. Striking Objects

Objects that strike usually move at quicker speeds than objects that fall. In addition to limbs, trees, and logs, loggers could also be struck by smaller objects while on the job, such as:

• Wood chips
• Stone and rocks
• Sawdust
• Tree bark

These objects can become airborne when they come into contact with any type of logging equipment, such as a chainsaw. In addition, even that equipment could pose a strike risk if they malfunction. This is especially the case with gear that isn't properly sharpened or maintained.

4. Trapping Incidents

Logging is a fast-paced profession. These experts are constantly repositioning themselves or their equipment and there are many moving parts going at one time. In addition, they're working with materials that are largely cylindrical in nature, such as logs, which increases their propensity to roll.

As such, loggers can get trapped or caught in-between objects, such as their logging truck and a large limb. Or, they could get stuck between two pieces of machinery. When this happens, it can result in crushed limbs and other types of injuries.

5. Extreme Temperatures

Loggers don't usually get to take a day off when the weather isn't cooperating. Rather, they are required to work in many different types of conditions, including extremely hot and extremely cold climates.

In some situations, overexertion or overexposure can lead to heatstroke on one extreme, and hypothermia on the other. Though less common, loggers could also suffer injuries from other weather-related events, such as a lightning strike.

6. Equipment Malfunctions

Many logging injuries occur as a result of equipment that is either broken or used incorrectly. Depending on their position, loggers are required to use a variety of forestry tools, including:

• Stump grinders
• Delimbers
• Mulchers
• Feller bunchers
• Chainsaws
• Forwarders
• Harvesters
• Log loaders

These experts are required to be properly trained on how to use each piece of equipment before they begin work. However, there's always the risk of mishandling a tool. In addition, if a tool isn't properly serviced, it could become faulty over time, which makes it more at risk of breaking down and harming an operator.

7. Motor Vehicle Accidents

Loggers are among those workers who have to travel frequently for their jobs. In addition to driving from Point A to Point B in their work trucks, these experts are also tasked with operating the following types of vehicles:

• Bulldozers
• Loaders
• Skidders

If any of these collides with another object (including another vehicle), then it can injure the drivers. In addition, a motor vehicle accident can also result in property damage.

8. Crane Accidents

There are many different types of jobs that require the use of a crane. Forestry and logging are two of them. This is an incredibly heavy and complex piece of equipment that requires entire teams to operate safely.

While loggers should be thoroughly trained on how to operate a crane if their position requires it, accidents can still happen. For instance, operators could get distracted, the machinery could malfunction, or the weather could cause operations to become slippery or otherwise unsafe.

If any of these factors apply, then the crane could move against the operator's will. This could injure the driver and any nearby parties, and could also lead to extensive property damage.

9. Fires and Explosions

Woodworking facilities are prone to fires and explosions, and this can apply to logging facilities, as well. These environments contain vast quantities of two types of materials that should never interact in an unmonitored environment: fuel and flammable items.

The fuel, of course, comes in the form of wood and wood products, such as sawdust. The flammable materials include liquid propane required to run internal combustion engines, as well as solvents, adhesives, and any other types of chemicals that loggers may need.

If these items inadvertently interact without proper oversight, it could result in a fire emergency. These can lead to burns, smoke inhalation, and other types of injuries.

10. Hearing Loss

Logging injuries can affect any part of your body, including your eardrum. You might not think much about it if you're only around the sound of a chainsaw for a short period of time, but consider the impact that daily, continuous use could have.

At their loudest, these tools run at approximately 115 decibels. This noise level is 32 times louder than a normal conversation and could lead to long-term hearing loss in loggers who are constantly exposed.

11. Vibration Injuries

Not only are chainsaws incredibly loud, but they also create an uncomfortable vibration that can be difficult to sustain. Yet, loggers are required to hold and maneuver them for hours on end.

Over time, this continuous movement can interfere with the blood circulation in a logger's palms and fingers. When this happens, it can lead to a condition called Vibration White Finger, or VWF.

While this condition can usually be reversed or treated if caught early, it could permanently damage the tissues in an operator's fingers.

12. Improper Loading or Tie-Down Procedures

When a logger fails to properly load or tie-down logs on the back of their logging truck, then those materials could slip out of the vehicle and potentially harm another motorist.

Keep in mind that these are major sections of trees, and each one could weigh thousands of pounds. While this type of cargo is most likely to become loose in a truck after a collision or accident, it could fall off if an operator doesn't appropriately secure it before driving away.

When the debris becomes airborne, it can cause a motor vehicle crash. In addition to personal injury, the collision could also result in extensive property damage.

Insure Your Team Against These Types of Logging Accidents

Most loggers enter into this profession fully aware of the dangers and risks that they could face. Yet, the frequency of logging accidents doesn't discount their serious importance.

By purchasing insurance for loggers, you can help make sure that if an accident does occur, you're protected. Our team specializes in providing insurance across the lumber industry, and we're here to help you get started.

From general liability insurance to workers' compensation, commercial auto, and equipment breakdown coverage, we offer it all. Interested in learning more? Get a quote today to get started!

Companies that manufacture, distribute, and sell sporting firearms and supplies play a critical role in the country's economy. According to the Firearm Industry Trade Association (FITA), these companies account for more than 342,000 jobs in the U.S. each year, with an annual economic impact of nearly $63.5 billion.

Whether you're in charge of a large-scale plant or a small, local enterprise, you need ample insurance coverage. Gun manufacturers are exposed to many of the same risks as other business owners, but the nature of the industry requires special consideration.

Today, we're sharing the ultimate guide to insurance in the firearms manufacturing realm.

The Importance of Insurance in the Firearm Manufacturing Industry

Firearm manufacturers are different from other business owners. The products you create are highly specialized and technical in nature, and your business requires careful, comprehensive protection at every turn.

Talk to your insurance agent about your unique risks, and consider all of the types of business insurance that could benefit your team. An agent is not only qualified to talk to you about all of the different plans and policies to invest in but can also help you secure the lowest rates and best coverage around.

Keeping that in mind, let's take a look at some of the most important policies to review.

Liability Insurance for Gun Manufacturers

There are several different types of basic business insurance that firearm manufacturers are required to hold. However, let's start with one of the most important types of coverage: liability insurance.

There is a myriad of different liability exposures that apply to any company that's responsible for manufacturing guns. As you consider all of the different types of insurance your business needs, pay particular attention to your level of exposure and the types of risks they open your company up to.

Here are a few of the different types of liability insurance to consider.

Commercial General Liability Insurance

It's unlikely that you'll have many members of the general public visiting your operational facilities. Most gun manufacturers don't allow visitors or customers, but you will have business partners, distributors, and suppliers who enter onto your grounds.

As such, you will need commercial general liability insurance to protect your business in the event that a third party experiences any type of bodily injury or property damage while at your property. If these incidents occur due to any type of negligence on your end, then the injured party could sue you for damages.

For instance, the equipment could malfunction while in operation causing shattered parts to scatter across the facility. This could injure the user or any nearby bystanders. In addition, the property itself could be a hazard, causing someone to slip, fall, or otherwise harm themselves because obstacles and safety risks were not adequately marked or communicated. If you have a test facility in-house, these lead to additional risks.

With a commercial general liability policy in place, you'll protect your company against any lawsuits that could ensue.

Product Liability Insurance

As a firearm manufacturer, you naturally take pride in your work. You follow strict industry standards to make sure each part and product is designed to rigorous safety and operational standards. You include detailed instructions and guides to ensure that all users fully understand how to operate, maintain, and store your equipment.

However, the reality is that problems can still occur.

Any type of firearm could go to market with an unknown manufacturing or production flaw, despite intensive testing and quality assurance processes. Similarly, there could be an inherent design defect within your product or instructions/warnings that are not entirely correct or detailed enough.

When any of these issues happen, personal injuries and property damages can occur. Usually, these incidents occur away from your manufacturing facility, when users are operating the firearm on their own terms. In this case, they can sue for product-related damages.

If your company is found negligent (and even if it isn't), you could be required to pay for those damages, which can include:

• Medical bills
• Attorney fees
• Court costs
• Other compensatory costs

Navigating the Types of Liability Insurance

If you have product liability insurance, then this plan will cover your financial responsibility for any types of losses or injuries that a user, buyer, or bystander may experience as a result of your product. If a defect or malfunction occurs, this coverage will kick in to cover the associated costs.

Note that some commercial general liability insurance plans will include a degree of product liability coverage. However, this level of coverage is usually insufficient to cover most damages, especially for large manufacturers. In that case, you may need to purchase a separate product liability plan.

A reputable insurance company with experience in the firearm and ammunition industry can guide you on the type and level of liability insurance you need.

Additional Business Insurance Policies

In addition to the liability insurance coverage detailed above, there are other types of insurance that gun manufacturers need to have. Let's take a look at a few of the most common ones to discuss with your insurance agent.

Worker's Compensation Insurance

Manufacturing plants expose workers to a range of risks that can affect both their health and personal safety. If any employee experiences an injury or illness as a result of working at your plant, then they may need to miss work to recover.

Worker's compensation insurance will not only cover their lost wages but can also help pay for their associated medical expenses. Not only is this coverage critical to your ongoing operations, but most states require you to have such a policy in place.

Commercial Property Insurance

What would you do if the buildings at your facility fell victim to significant property damage? There are many issues that can cause destruction, including:

• Fires
• Hail and wind
• Vandalism
• Theft
• Smoke damage

In many cases, these damages will not only affect the physical structures on your property, but they can also affect the industrial equipment and furnishings within them. As a result, you could be looking at a significant degree of lost inventory as well as compromised warehouse/office space.

Without immediate access to your office equipment, computers, and other necessary machines, your manufacturing plant could be forced to temporarily cease operations. With commercial property insurance, you can replace or repair this gear and keep your doors open.

Equipment Breakdown Insurance

Speaking of compromised or unusable equipment, you may also experience breakdowns that are not the direct result of an outside force. For instance, a critical part of one of your conveyor belts may suddenly malfunction.

If this happens, it could render your operations temporarily inaccessible. It could also damage nearby equipment. With equipment breakdown coverage (also called boiler and machinery coverage), you can cover the costs of immediate repairs so you can get back to business.

Business Interruption Coverage

Commercial property insurance will protect your business's physical assets if a covered disruption occurs. However, how would you protect your gun company's most important resource: your employees?

If your business is unable to operate due to damages inflicted by natural causes, equipment breakdowns, or theft, then your employees could be without their earnings for a designated period of time.

With business interruption coverage, you can help them maintain their financial footing during this temporary setback. As a business owner, it can also prevent you from dipping into your own pockets to keep the lights on at work.

This type of policy will usually cover the following types of expenses:

• Facility rent
• Employee salaries
• Relocation fees
• Lost business income

Some business owners also choose to add an extension to this policy that applies to disruptions in their utility service. This way, if you're forced to close for a while due to a problem with your electrical system or water supply, you won't lose a substantial portion of your business income.

Employment Practices Liability

If an employee at your firearm plant finds you guilty of discrimination, then they could file a costly and defamatory lawsuit that could have long-reaching consequences.

The same applies to any type of issue that could occur as a result of the employment practices that you currently have in place. With this type of policy, you can legally protect your company against these types of cases.

Cyber Security/Liability Insurance

Increasingly, cyber security coverage has become one of the most important types of insurance that small businesses can have. Gun manufacturers are no less vulnerable to these types of attacks than other manufacturers.

If any of your operations are automated or online in any way, then ask your insurance agent about this policy. It can protect your company from the financial and operational issues that could occur if there's a data breach at any point in your computer system.

Get Insurance for Your Firearm Industry Business Today

Are you interested in securing a comprehensive insurance policy for your firearm industry business? If so, you've come to the right spot.

Our insurance agents are well-versed in the unique requirements that gun manufacturers have, and we can help guide you on the specific types of plans that you need. We'll also compare rates from the top firearm industry insurance carriers to make sure you're getting the best deal.

Contact us today to learn more and get started.