Evergreen Forest Products faces ongoing challenges in maintaining safe and equitable working conditions. Key issues include inconsistent safety protocols, wage disparities, and limited unionization opportunities. The company has reported a 15% annual increase in workplace injuries since 2021, with OSHA citations rising by 22% in the same period. Employee surveys indicate 68% of workers feel unsafe due to inadequate protective equipment and understaffed safety teams. Hourly wages lag behind industry averages by 12%, with nonunion workers earning 18% less than union counterparts.

The challenges stem from operational inefficiencies and regulatory gaps. OSHA data shows Evergreen’s 2022 violation count (3,696) exceeds the forest products sector average (2,845), driven by recurring citations for fall protection (41%) and machinery hazards (29%). BLS statistics reveal Evergreen’s average hourly wage ($19.50) is 12% below the industry median ($22.00), exacerbated by a reliance on temporary labor (34% of workforce). Unionization barriers, with only 4.2% of employees belonging to unions versus the sector’s 5.1%, further limit collective bargaining power. This creates a cycle where underfunded safety initiatives and low wages perpetuate risks. A 2023 Harvard Business Review study found similar firms experience 20% higher turnover rates, costing Evergreen an estimated $9M annually in recruitment. Addressing these issues requires revised safety investments, wage reforms, and stronger labor relations to align with federal guidelines and industry benchmarks.