Abstract
An Ergonomic Work Analysis was done to assess and evaluate the working conditions among brush cutter operators during vegetation management tasks. The main objectives of this study were: to assess the actual working conditions and the complaints presented by workers that accomplish the task with brush cutters; to quantify the physical exertion during the use of the equipment and to characterize the musculoskeletal symptoms. Nineteen workers agreed to participate in the study answering the questionnaire, while only seven of these participated in the Physical workload assessment. The six body regions with the highest percentage of complaints were the lumbar spine, followed by feet, dorsal spine, right-wrist/hand, cervical spine and right-thigh. Considering physical exertion, the results showed that the workload in this study ranged from low to very high or extremely high.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Toupin, D., LeBel, L., Dubeau, D., Imbeau, D., Bouthillier, L.: Measuring the productivity and physical workload of brushcutters within the context of a production-based pay system. For. Policy Econ. 9, 1046–1055 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2006.10.001
Sabino, L., Melo, R.B., Carvalho, F.: Ergonomic work analysis at plant nurseries of a portuguese municipality. In: Goonetilleke, R.S., Karwowski, W. (eds.) AHFE 2018. AISC, vol. 789, pp. 273–285. Springer, Cham (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94484-5_29
Park, J., Kim, Y., Han, B.: Work sectors with high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Korean men and women. Saf. Health Work 4–7 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2017.06.005
Eurofound: Sixth European Working Conditions Survey - Overview report (2017 update). Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg (2017). https://doi.org/10.2806/422172.
Grzywiński, W., Wandycz, A., Tomczak, A., Jelonek, T.: The prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among loggers in Poland. Int. J. Ind. Ergon. 52, 12–17 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2015.07.003
Sullman, M.J.M., Byers, J.: An ergonomic assessment of manual planting pinus radiata seedlings. J. For. Eng. 11, 53–62 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1080/08435243.2000.10702744
Çalişkan, E., Çaǧlar, S.: An assessment of physiological workload of forest workers in felling operations. Afr. J. Biotechnol. 9, 5651–5658 (2010). https://doi.org/10.5897/AJB10.294
Balimunsi, H.K., Kaboggoza, J.R.S., Abeli, S.W., Cavalli, R., Agea, J.G.: Working conditions and productivity of logging companies in Mafuga forest plantation, western Uganda. J. Trop. For. Sci. 23, 232–238 (2011)
Kirk, P.M., Sullman, M.J.M.: Heart rate strain in cable hauler choker setters in New Zealand logging operations. Appl. Ergon. 32, 389–398 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-6870(01)00003-5
Kuorinka, I., et al.: Standardised Nordic questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. Appl. Ergon. 18, 233–237 (1987)
Francisco, M.: Análise Ergonómica do trabalho realizado por operadores florestais (2019). https://www.repository.utl.pt/handle/10400.5/18928?mode=full
Åstrand, P.O., Rodahl, M.: Textbook of Work Physiology. McGraw-Hill, New York (1986)
Wu, H.-C., Wang, M.-J.J.: Relationship between maximum acceptable work time and physical workload. Ergonomics 45, 280–289 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1080/0014013021012349
Grandjean, E.: Fitting the Task to the Man: An Ergonomic Approach. Taylor & Francis, London (1980)
Gallis, C.: Work-related prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among Greek forest workers. Int. J. Ind. Ergon. 36, 731–736 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2006.05.007
Lachowski, S., Choina, P., Florek-Łuszczki, M., Goździewska, M., Jezior, J.: Dissatisfaction with work as a risk factor of musculoskeletal complaints among foresters in Poland. Ann. Agric. Environ. Med. 24, 706–711 (2017). https://doi.org/10.26444/aaem/80985
Breloff, S.P., Wade, C., Waddell, D.E.: Lower extremity kinematics of cross-slope roof walking. Appl. Ergon. 75, 134–142 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2018.09.013
Choi, S.D.: Postural balance and adaptations in transitioning sloped surfaces. Int. J. Constr. Educ. Res. 4, 189–199 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1080/15578770802494581
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank all workers that agreed to participate and the company involved by the opportunity to develop this study.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2021 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this paper
Cite this paper
Carvalho, F., Cotrim, T.P., Melo, R.B. (2021). Physical Exertion and Prevalence Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Brush Cutter Operators. In: Nunes, I.L. (eds) Advances in Human Factors and System Interactions. AHFE 2021. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 265. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-79816-1_6
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-79816-1_6
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-79815-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-79816-1
eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)