Abstract

This project had two objectives: a) the drafting of a comprehensive list of accident scenarios involving linemen; and b) the validation of a bipartite research methodology developed jointly with a limited number of key prevention specialists, recruited to identify and prioritize preventive measures in this sector.

Using this method, it was possible to identify 71 preventive measures associated with 9 typical accident scenarios. The applicability and effectiveness of each measure, and its priority, was evaluated through the use of a questionnaire distributed to a labour-management reference group composed of 19 individuals responsible for occupational health and safety, and to a validation group, composed of workers and employers in the sector. The opinions of the reference group were highly representative of those generally encountered in this sector. Labour/management affiliation was the most significant source of variation in the evaluation of the various preventive measures.

The results of this study formed the basis of prevention programs instituted by the sectorial health and safety association.