man demonstrating standing twist with long handled tool
<h4 style="text-align: center"><strong>Standing Twist With Long-Handled Tool</strong></h4> <p style="text-align: center">With feet hip distance apart, rest a long-handled tool such as a broom, a shovel, or stick lightly on the shoulders. Hold tool with arms extended. Inhale, lengthen spine. Exhale, turn torso and head to the right. Hold for 2-3 breaths. Inhale, return to center. Repeat on opposite side.</p>

Assistive Technology and Loggers

October 20, 2025 LogAbility, News

Reprinted with permission from Logger’s Voice, Fall 2025.

Assistive Technology (AT) in logging may conjure up images of robots operating tools to harvest
trees. And while that may happen in the future, assistive technology today is considered support
aides for humans to better help get the job done.
AT is divided up into two kinds; low technology and high technology. Low tech features low cost,
less automation and easier to operate, while high technology is more expensive, more precise
and automated with less energy required of the user/operator.
The mechanized logging world already has incredible logging machines that do much of the
physical labor, allowing the logger to operate safely in the cab of the machine. The cabs,
especially newer models, feature environmental controls, ergonomic keypads to operate the
machine, comfortable seats that fit the average size person in terms of elevating the seat,
adjusting lumbar support. It’s hard to imagine what else a logger may need to get the job done
safely, and efficiently.
Although most injuries received by mechanized loggers are not the traumatic injuries of the past
with severed limbs and broken bones, falls still happen and some can be just as traumatic.
Getting to and from the logging machines is dangerous, and there are a lot of low technology
aides that can make that trip easier and safer.
Despite the ergonomic setup of many mechanized machines, the human body was not
designed for the prolonged sitting and repetitive motion that mechanized loggers do. So
common complaints from loggers are often the same complaints of office workers repetitive
motion injuries (especially carpal tunnel syndrome), low back pain, and neck and shoulder
complaints.
On its LogAbility site, Maine AgrAbility will be publishing page dedicated to assistive technology
ideas for loggers featuring both high tech and low tech ideas to help loggers work smarter not
harder. The AT ideas are not just from AgrAbility staff, but tried and tested from other loggers.
The items on the AT page are not endorsed by Maine AgrAbility, but they may offer a more
informed way for loggers to decide what gear might work best given their environment. We
welcome your input.
With winter now approaching it is worth remembering that during the PLC Spring Safety
Trainings sessions on falls, we had multiple discussions on wearing crampons to reduce falls
when getting to and from the logging site. As an assistive technology, there are of course pros
and cons to different style crampons, but overall, crampon wearing provides more traction on

ice making the user less likely to fall as a result of slipping. This is especially true when
compared to the “thoughts and prayers” approach.
Below are some examples of crampons for traction of different styles that were mentioned in the
PLC Spring Safety trainings.

Tell us what you think. You can find us at our
website.https://extension.umaine.edu/agrability/logging-resources/