Stretches for Limber Loggers is a new resource developed by woods workers and Maine AgrAbility to help loggers keep their bodies in good working order. Photo courtesy University of Maine and UMaine Cooperative Extension.

STATE — The Maine AgrAbility program announces the release of a new resource focused on boosting workplace safety and wellness for the state’s logging workforce. Program staff collaborated with loggers and safety experts to create a stretching guide for workers in forestry and logging. The poster features eight yoga stretches demonstrated by real loggers that can be done on the job site, as well as guidance on breathing and how to get the most out of the short, simple stretching routine. The new poster is the third in a series of stretching resources for the state’s natural resources workforce, with the first two focusing on farmers and fishers.

“There are few movement and physical health resources tailored for use by real loggers on location at the worksite,” explained Bella Russo, Maine AgrAbility program coordinator. “The aim of this poster is to help loggers working highly mechanized jobs maintain a healthy range of motion and to encourage changes from static or repeated motion activities throughout their workday. We hope our realistic approach will make the resource more applicable and accessible to loggers.”

AgrAbility staff will distribute the free posters at upcoming Spring Safety Training sessions hosted by the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine (full schedule can be found on the organization’s webpage), as well as at the Logging Expo in Bangor on May 16-17. Additionally, copies of the poster can be requested through the program webpage or by emailing Bella Russo at isabella.russo1@maine.edu or maine.agrability@maine.edu. Poses and instructions can also be found on the program webpage.

Maine AgrAbility, LogAbility, and FishAbility are USDA-funded programs dedicated to helping farmers, fishers, loggers, and woods contractors throughout the state work safely and more productively. The programs work directly with owner/operators, crew members, and family members to address a wide variety of physical and cognitive conditions that impact an individual’s ability to continue working. The programs are delivered by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Bella Russo at 207.944.1533 or isabella.russo1@maine.edu.