2009

Safety Comes First

We consider the safety of our crew and the people around us to be of utmost importance in our daily routine. This summer found Bill and the crew extremely busy. In addition to the full schedule of summertime work, they took time out in August to learn the latest systems for working safely around trees.

Sponsored by Northeast Woodland Training, Inc. the Game of Logging is a world-recognized training curriculum that teaches chain saw skills. Developed in the 1960s by Soren Eriksson, a Swedish logger turned training instructor, the Game of Logging combines Scandinavian logging techniques with the latest systems for working safely around trees.

The "game" refers not only to the friendly competitive aspect of the training, but also to the necessity of having a winning plan or strategy for felling trees and working safely. The program breaks apart saw work into steps that are practiced throughout the course. A fun scoring system helps focus participants' attention on the most important details and allows them to measure their progress each day.

Four Days of Safety & Skills Training

The entire Game of Logging program is broken into four separate days. Day 1 provides an overview of chain saw safety and covers basic tree felling. Day 2 covers basic saw maintenance and chain sharpening techniques and provides another opportunity for tree felling. Days 3 and 4 build on the first two days and presents techniques for felling difficult trees, including trees with side and back lean. Days 3 & 4 also cover limbing and bucking techniques and systems for planning work.

Hands-on Training in Small Groups

John Adler from Northeast Woodland Training was our instructor and he came four consecutive Thursdays in August to train our crew. John worked with the crew to practice techniques and they received individualized coaching at a series of in-the-woods practice stations. By listening to explanations, watching demonstrations, and then practicing techniques, everyone came away with better work habits and greater confidence in their ability to safely fell trees and work in the woods.