Citation

Hansson J-E. Int. J. Ind. Ergonomics 1990; 5(3): 255-266.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Since 1967, the ergonomic design of large forestry machines has been the subject of continuous study. Ergonomic guidelines have been developed and successfully introduced to the manufacturers of the machines and to the forest industries.Manufacturers have implemented comprehensive ergonomic improvements. Operator workspace, visibility, lighting, operator's seats, mounting and alighting, cab climate, and service of machines have been improved. Noise and vibration levels have been reduced. The risk of accidents is slight. In many respects, the ergonomic standard is now good.Increasing mechanization is posing new problems, however. Operators of forestry machinery are being afflicted by overload injuries to the neck, arms, and cervical spine. The main causes of these injuries are probably excessive periods of sitting, excessive work intensity during work in fixed, ergonomically inappropriate positions, and repetitive, short-cycle movement patterns. Ergonomic improvements in equipment design (particularly controls) and work organization are proposed in this report.