Ergonomic Examination and Development of Small Scale Techniques in the Private Forestry

1990

80 S.

18 Abb., 4 Tab., 32 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200034465

A study dealing with the environmental problems connected to machine work in private forestry has been carried out by the Department of Operational Efficiency, at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Self-employed forest owners personally carry out a great deal of transportation work in the forest. The farm tractor equipped with trailer and grapple loader is used as a timber transporter, while small machines are used for timber and plant transportation as well as in forest thinning work. The use of small machines and accessory equipment for farm tractors has increased in extent. Work in farm tractor cabin in a "back to front" operating position, involves problems particularly for the neck and shoulders, which in turn can lead to occupational injuries. Insufficient cabin space is the main cause of bad working positions. This project has described the problems for users, presented a method for the measurement of cabins, scrutinized different tractors and recommended steps for improvement. Small machines which are sat upon or that are walked in front of, involve primarily the increased risk of accident and unnecessarily strenuous work. Machines are in many instances insufficiently tested before entering the market place and the information available to the consumer is often inadequate. The results are presented as recommendations, partly concerned with technical improvements and partly concerned with the information which is needed.