Drivers’ opinions concerning working conditions in forest fuel production

Forest fuel production is a sub-branch in forestry that has increased during the last decade, both in Sweden and in other parts of the European Union (EU). Forestry is a risky branch and knowledge about working environment conditions in forest fuel production is limited. The aim of this study is to raise knowledge about drivers’ opinions concerning working conditions in forest fuel production. A questionnaire was answered by 34 drivers. The drivers experience their work as risky. They use personal protective equipment to different degrees in their daily work. Cut damage and slipping are the most common accidents and incidents. Most of the drivers experience the mental and the physical workload as low or moderate. Regarding the findings in this study, two main work environmental issues can be raised: The drivers experience major problems outside the cabin compared to inside, which increases the risk that they stay in the cabin during most of the workday. The new work tasks within forest fuel production may increase the fact that forestry is one of the most risky branches.