[Activity of motorcycle taxi driver: risks and weaknesses self referred]

Descriptive research, with qualitative approach, that aimed to identify occupational hazards and weaknesses self-reported by motorcycle drivers. Data were collected in the first half of 2010 through interviews with twelve motorcycle drivers, invited to participate and work on two central points of a municipality in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, from which emerged five categories. According to subjects' perception, accidents and assaults represent the greatest risks of the profession. It can be inferred that the actions of health education and disease prevention should be governmental and no governmental strategies that would assign value to the health and safety of these workers.