The present study, carried out in the forest industry, examines the effects related to the mechanization of felling and pruning on the frequency, gravity, and circumstances in which occupational accidents occur. The rate of occurrence of these accidents in mechanized logging camps is nearly three times lower than in those with conventional cutting, whereas the gravity of occupational accidents is not affected by the modernization of production. Besides, some types of accident persist in spite of mechanization while some others disappear because of it. In short, the number of accidents related to maintenance and repair activities of the most mechanized occupations is higher than that related to production.

These results show that mechanization helps reduce occupational risks associated with logging camps. They also stress the fact that new risks can occur, although less frequent, due to technological advancement of some production process. Finally, these results imply that it is essential to examine the structural characteristics of work organization in order to achieve a better understanding and prevention of accidents.