ABSTRACT
Forest operations are among the most dangerous production sectors. The objective of this paper is the analysis of slip, trip and fall accidents over the period 2000–2009 in ÖBf AG, Austria’s largest forest enterprise. In total, 395 slip trip and fall accidents were associated with wood harvesting activities. The accident rate amounted to 19.9 incidents per million cubic meter or 28.3 incidents per million work hours. Most accidents occurred between 10 and 12 pm. The highest accident frequency has been reported on Monday and Thursday (26.3 and 22% respectively) and, at monthly level, in March (10.9%) and January (10.1%). Frequently injured body parts were extremities such as legs (41%), arms and hands (27.1%), followed by the chest–back area (12.9%). Bruises (37%) were the most common kind of injury followed by sprains (25.1%) and broken bones (8.9%). An average slip, trip and fall accident required 19.1 days for recovery, however rehabilitation days varied among the different work phases: Incidents during debranching and bucking required 22.1 days for recovery compared to 18.8 days for cases during tree felling. Injuries at the leg and arm–hand area were the most common, but the highest severity has been found for accidents inflicted on multiple body parts (42.8 lost work days). We discuss the study results and the implications of accidents in sustainable forest management. Finally, we make proposals for the promotion of occupational safety and health during forest operations.
