In the world we live in with all of its technological advancements, we don’t always pay mind to certain careers, including that of the lumberjack. Yet, lumberjacks work hard in dangerous circumstances to provide our world with the wood that we need for our homes, businesses, and for products like paper. It’s an extremely fascinating career choice to most of society. Yet, it’s also incredibly dangerous. If you work as a lumberjack and get hurt on the job, can you continue to care for your family if you can’t work? Do you have enough in savings to cover medical bills and support your family? An on the job injury of any kind can become a huge problem. Hurt? You May Benefit from Workers’ Compensation All states in the U.S. have a law that says most employers must provide a workers’ compensation policy to help protect their workers. If you’re hurt on the job as a lumberjack, you have the option of filing a workers’ compensation claim to get benefits. The benefits that you may receive will depend on how badly you are hurt. However, workers’ compensation can help with your medical bills, prescriptions, job training, physical therapy, or other damages you need to help you get back on your feet. If you can’t work, you may qualify to receive a portion of your lost wages until you’re able to return to work. There are other benefits available through workers’ compensation, too. However, for you to receive any benefits, you must file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer. To get started, speak with your manager or Human Resources department. Ask for a list of physicians who can treat you at no charge. Company Profile: Jewett-Cameron Trading Company Jewett-Cameron Trading Company is a publicly traded company. They have several subsidiaries, but processing and distributing lumber is one of their main business activities. They are headquartered in North Plains, Oregon. They have locations on three continents. Primarily, they use their main manufacturing plants and then ship the wood to various retail outlets. Risks Faced By Jewett-Cameron Lumber Employees Ultimately, the risks that anyone faces on the job depends on their job responsibilities. Being a lumberjack or working in a sawmill has extreme risks. This list isn’t all-inclusive. You can likely think about your own daily responsibilities and determine more risks that you may face. Saw and axe accidents – When you walk on uneven ground, you face the risk of tripping. Landing on your axe or saw, even just the handle, can cause extreme injuries. Cuts can be minor or they can be severe or rupture an artery. If you are cut by a saw or an axe, you likely have a medical emergency and should call 911. Eye injuries – Although most people don’t give a second thought to a small speck of sawdust, it is imperative that you wear eye safety goggles. This can minimize the risk of getting sawdust in your eyes. A single speck of sawdust can scratch your cornea or cause other serious eye problems. Repetitive stress injury – What would you do if your hands, wrists, elbows, or knees hurt so much that you couldn’t use them in your job as a lumberjack? Repetitive stress injury is a risk to lumberjacks. You swing an axe or use a saw all day. Doing this for long periods of time can cause permanent injury to your body that requires surgery or even changing jobs. Workers’ Compensation Questions? If you were hurt during your shift at Jewett-Cameron Lumber, you have rights under the law. To learn more about workers’ compensation or to get answers to your questions, contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney now. *The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Jewett-Cameron Lumber,, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
