The objective of this study was to evaluate risks of accident in the tree pruning activity in the urban landscaping of the Brazilian Federal District. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire that was answered through individual interviews. The questionnaire was answered by 94% of the workers, comprising 92% of the total chainsaw operators and 95% of the total helpers. Additionally, a qualitative accident risk assessment of machines, pruning equipment and transportation vehicles was carried out by means of a checklist. According to the results, for most chainsaw operators (78.3%) the personal protective equipment was considered important and helped to keep them safe. In relation to accident index, 56.5% of chainsaw operators affirmed that they had some type of accident in the company, and 65.2% said they had already witnessed accidents at work. Among helpers, 87.2% answered that the personal protective equipment had already saved them from accidents at work, 30.8% said they had accidents resulted from the pruning activity, and 48.7 % witnessed accidents at work. As for the evaluated equipment, all chainsaws were in good conditions and with an adequate safety system. The majority of trunks adapted for worker transport on trucks showed insufficient number and defective distribution of ventilation windows. The inclination of seat back was inadequate and the 2-point safety belts were badly attached. For a better work development, it is recommended to improve and facilitate the supply of personal protective equipment to the workers, to provide training courses on safety techniques at work, training for newly-hired workers, and to improve both safety and comfort of worker transportation vehicles.
Forest ergonomics; urban landscaping; risks of accidents
