Abstract

Branch-shredders, used in most Québec municipalities, are extremely dangerous pieces of equipment capable of cutting limbs and causing the death of operators. They are also noisy, and operators are exposed to noise levels of 98-120 dBA. CSST (Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail du Québec, Québec Occupational Health and Safety Commission) inspectors issue many correction notices concerning these machines, and have even forbidden their use in some cases.

This project was undertaken to reduce, if not eliminate, the risk of injury to operators, and reduce noise exposures to mandated levels. The project was innovative in its simultaneous consideration of noise and safety.

The research team worked in collaboration with a Québec manufacturer of branch-shredders, the Association sectorielle paritaire - affaires municipales (Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee - Municipal Affairs Sector), the city of Montréal, other municipalities, including Saint-Bruno, Saint-Julie, and Beaconsfield, and private contractors, including Arbo Services and Elag, the two largest Québec contractors. In each case, workers and employers participated directly. The project report contains a list of design criteria and specifications for branch-shredders.