Citation

Vayrynen S. Accid. Anal. Prev. 1984; 16(2): 115-122.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Occupational accidents and ergonomic problems in the maintenance (i.e. the servicing and repairing) of heavy forest machinery are investigated on the basis of the literature, accident reports, interviews, and observations. Heavy forest machinery includes those machines used in logging operations--forwarders, processors, harvesters, and agricultural tractors equipped for forest work. The machinery is maintained by the operators mainly in the forest. The main problems in the work environment are caused by: cold in winter; the necessity of working barehanded; the handling of oil or solvents; the risk of slipping and falling associated with climbing up to and working on machines; troublesome working postures; the temporary need for great strength in handling heavy machine parts. The accident rate of maintenance work is high compared to the one of operating machines--nearly as high as in logging work with chain saws. The prevention of health hazards and accidents related to maintenance work is a difficult but essential question. The improved work conditions in the operator's cabs of the machinery have not, of course, improved the work conditions in the maintenance carried out mainly outdoors.