Safety & Occupational Health
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Safe Visits on National Forests and Grasslands
As a visitor to our National Forests and Grasslands, you will
find many opportunities to enjoy and explore nature’s creations.
Our sites not only include the mighty timberlands, but mountains,
hills, lakes, deserts, and the wildlife that inhabit the lands.
These areas create great passageways for America’s highways,
byways, and backroads leading to great recreation activities. However,
because of the large territories that are covered by forest, many
unforeseen dangers present unpredictable challenges for our visitors
to have a safe visit. The following sections will allow you to examine
some of our safety challenges and additional links that will offer
extended exploration of the topics.
Around Wildlife
- You are responsible for your safety and the safety of wildlife. Please
help keep wildlife "wild" by not approaching or feeding them.
- Please do not feed wildlife. Animals that get food from people
may become aggressive. Our foods may harm an animal's digestive
system or even cause them death.
- Do not approach wildlife. All wild animals can be dangerous.
Alter your route so that you will move away from animals
without disturbing them.
Do not block an animal's line of travel.
- Photograph and watch wildlife from observation areas.
- Use binoculars, spotting scopes and telephoto lenses to minimize
stress to animals and to provide a safe viewing distance
for you.
- If an animal approaches you, it is your responsibility
to move away and maintain a safe distance.
more »
Abandoned Mines
The Forest Service manages a large part of the Federal lands across
the United States. Much of this land, especially that of the western
states, was used historically for mining of metals such as gold,
copper, lead, and zinc. Abandoned mines pose a safety risk to the
public, increasing the need to make all aware of the dangers of
entrance into these areas. more »
Fire Safety
The USDA Forest Service works relentlessly to
manage, suppress, and eliminate the occurrence of wildland fires.
This task can be hazardous and demanding, but every effort is given
to protect the public, firefighters, inhabitants, natural resources,
and property. more »
Hazardous Material
The National Forest is intended to be a natural beauty for the
environment. However, due to commercial uses and illegal uses, the
lands can become a dwelling of hazardous waste. Forest Service works
to protect the public by identifying and disposing of these materials
to prevent harm. more »
Outdoor and Recreation Safety
Whether you're roughing it in a tent or planning a family outing
to a national forest, there are many ways to make sure your experience
is fun and safe. Consider the following safety tips when you visit
a national forest or national grassland. more »
Health Safety
Personal health and well being should be a concern of all activities
of daily living. This includes those activities that are done for
recreational enjoyment. Though often not encountered, there are
some health hazards that have potential exposure for those visiting
our lands. To become familiar with these hazards, click on the following
links for an in depth explanation of the process, potential for
exposure, and safety measures. more »
Tree Safety
All that looks green is not green through and through. A standing
tree could have the possibility of causing serious injuries to persons
and property. Trees can become hazardous due to significant flaws
or structural damages. Every tree will fail over a life span. The
Forest Service expends time and energy to gain knowledge of each
tree species, site characteristics, and local weather conditions
to minimize the risk to our employees, structures, and property.
The Forest Service is also involved in timber cutting to provide
resources for our nation. Although this service has been executed
for many years, there remains a danger to those involved in the
procedure.
Visitor Safety
Warnings and preparation can be given for encountering fires, hazardous
materials and abandoned mines. However, it is more difficult to
predict the behavior of other humans. The National Forests are not
exempt from attacks to the public by others visiting the areas.
Often our visitors may come in contact with angry, intoxicated,
illegal, or armed individuals while visiting our forest. The Forest
Service does not tolerate threats or acts of violence against our
visitors. more »
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