Operator work-related musculoskeletal discomfort during forwarding operations in South Africa : an ergonomic assessment

• Main Author: Phairah, Kudakwashe C.
• Other Authors: Brink, M.P.
• Language: en
• Published: University of Pretoria 2015
• Subjects: UCTD; Musculoskeletal disorders; Mechanised harvesting; Ergonomics; South Africa
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2263/46059; Phairah, KC 2014, Operator work-related musculoskeletal discomfort during forwarding operations in South Africa : an ergonomic assessment, MSc Dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd <http://hdl.handle.net/2263/46059>

Forest machine operators are still experiencing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) despite extensive mechanisation and modernisation of harvesting systems. However, paucity of local ergonomics research and technology transfer problems threatens the sustainability of mechanised systems in South Africa. Consequently, this study was a field-based ergonomic assessment of local forwarding operations. PG Bison’s North East Cape Forests (NECF) Eastern Cape operations and Komatiland Forests (KLF), Mpumalanga, operations were studied. The main aim of the study was to carry out an ergonomic assessment on local forwarder operator tasks, using Tigercat 1055 forwarders. The study specifically assessed WMSD prevalence and risk factors, investigated the frequency of awkward head postures, and evaluated work organisation. A modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to survey WMSD prevalence and work organisation factors. During the shift, operators reported localised work-related musculoskeletal discomfort hourly. A video camera mounted in the cab was used to capture the footage of awkward head postures. The video footage was also used for the WMSD risk assessment using Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (HSG60) upper limb disorder assessment worksheets. Operators reported that they had experienced WMSDs during the last 12 months, mainly in the lower back, neck, shoulders and upper back. The operators cited lower repetitive strain symptoms and higher lower back discomfort than in previous studies. Twenty three per cent of awkward head postures were extreme. Operators reported worse than normal psychological profiles. The study results support the assertion that causal pathways of WMSDs are complex and multifactorial. Repetition, awkward head posture, duration of exposure, vibration, psychological factors and individual differences were identified as the main WMSD risk factors. === Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2014. === tm2015 === Plant Production and Soil Science === MSc === Unrestricted