Mechanization has reduced fatal injuries for loggers in the northeastern United States but introduced new health risks linked to prolonged equipment use, according to interviews with 29 loggers across New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Participants reported concerns over weight gain, back pain, and cardiovascular risks from extended sedentary work, as well as mental stress from financial burdens and limited access to affordable health insurance. The findings come from a study conducted by the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing and West Virginia University Extension. Loggers described how mechanization improved protection by removing workers from direct chainsaw use and tree-felling risks. However, long hours seated in machines have increased exposure to whole-body vibration and reduced physical activity, contributing to obesity and hypertension. …Access to health insurance remains a barrier. Most loggers interviewed said they did not carry coverage, citing high costs and limited benefits.