Loggers

Loggers are workers who harvest timber from forests, prepare it for transport, and move logs to mills or processing facilities. They operate in timberlands, often in remote or rugged terrain, and use a range of tools from saws and chippers to heavy machinery such as feller-bunchers, harvesters, skidders, and forwarders. Their work forms part of the broader forestry industry and timber supply chains.

Forest harvesting methods vary by region and site conditions. Common approaches include clear-cutting, shelterwood, and selective cutting, planned to balance timber yield with reforestation. Ground-based operations rely on skidders and haulage trucks, while steeper or constrained terrain may use cable-assisted or aerial yarding. Workers coordinate with log buyers and mills to optimize cutting schedules and transportation, and safety is a central concern given the hazards of falling trees, moving equipment, and weather exposure.

Training and regulation govern logging work. Many jurisdictions require formal training, equipment certifications, and adherence to occupational safety rules. Wages and conditions are often affected by labor unions, contractor arrangements, and regional market activity. Environmental and regulatory frameworks emphasize sustainable forestry, reforestation, erosion control, and wildlife protection, with certification programs such as FSC or PEFC guiding responsible harvesting.