An Evaluation of Risk-Taking Behavior in Motor-Manual Tree Felling and Processing Operations

Abstract

Motor-manual tree felling and processing is one of the common options used in wood harvesting operations. Still, many accidents are related to it, and evaluations on the way that fellers undertake risks may help in understanding how and on what kind of features training should be designed and administrated. This study evaluated the risk-taking behavior of preparatory, effective felling, and post-felling tasks using a questionnaire, face-to-face interviews, and field measurements, with a strong emphasis on the presence and use of protective equipment, implementation of safety procedures in operations, and the accuracy of felling cuts. The results were rather concerning because the protective equipment was found to be limitedly used which was also the case of safety procedures. In particular, trousers, vests, eye, and ear protection equipment were found to be less worn, while creating and using escape paths and correctly starting the chainsaw were among the most common violations of safety procedures. In terms of the accuracy of cuts, both hinge width and notch depth were incorrectly shaped in most of the cases. While standing for rather a low sample of the Romanian fellers’ population, these results indicate the need of designing and administrating tailored training courses to prevent job-related accidents.