SW Washington Logger Convicted of Benefit Theft
A southwest Washington logger must serve 60 days home detention and repay more than $163,000 after he admitted stealing workers’ comp benefits from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), which administers the state workers’ comp system, from January 2018 to January 2020. James Thomasson claimed injuries from working in the woods led to disabilities that affected his ability to work, and a medical provider said he was eligible for lost wages payments. However, after receiving a tip, L&I investigators caught Thomasson performing multiple activities that were inconsistent with his medical restrictions including walking briskly uphill, lifting heavy tools over his head and dancing. Upon reassessment, the provider noted he had “engaged in well-executed intentional underperformance” of his abilities, which led to the second-degree theft plea.
Latest News
Oregon Loggers Cause Tiny Fraction Of Fires
Following the horrible wind-driven conflagrations of 2020, Oregon has seen calmer fire seasons in 2021-22, and a report from 2022 shows Oregon loggers have performed admirably in fire prevention and first-response activities last year, according to a report from the Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF). As noted in the Associated Oregon Loggers Mainline newsletter, there were just 18 total Oregon state land forest fires caused by industrial mechanical equipment in 2022. Thanks to the efforts of Oregon loggers, only 15 acres burned…
WANT MORE CONTENT?
Spanning seven decades since its inception in 1952, Timber Harvesting highlights innovative and successful logging operations across the U.S. and around the world. Timber Harvesting also emphasizes new technology and provides the best marketing vehicle for the industry’s suppliers to reach the largest number of loggers in North America and beyond.
Call Us: 800.669.5613