Characteristics of logging contractors and their employees in Georgia

Abstract

In 1993, a survey of southern pulpwood producers was conducted to determine the characteristics of the workforce and any changes that have occurred since earlier surveys. Demographic characteristics of the producers have remained stable. Average age (45.6), years of schooling (11.9), years in business (17.1), and crew size (5.4) were virtually unchanged since the 1987 survey. But there were some other notable changes. There was a dramatic increase in production per crew. In addition, the product mix changed. Only 20 percent of the producers surveyed produced shortwood, down from 34 percent in the 1987 survey and 78 percent in the 1979/81 surveys. The type of equipment used by producers changed also. Shears accounted for only 40 percent ofthe headtypes utilized. Disk heads and chain saw heads accounted for the remaining 60 percent, a dramatic change since the 1987 survey when shears accounted for almost 100 percent ofthe head types. Detailed information on employee benefits, compensation, and safety equipment was also collected.