Workability and Physical Wellbeing Among Chainsaw Operators in Croatia

Abstract

Motor-manual felling and wood processing is a high-risk work process where the chainsaw, in connection to other variables in the working environment, is a key and constant source of risk and danger for forest chainsaw operators. Pursuant to the foregoing, the purpose of this research is to investigate and compare detected musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms among the chainsaw workers in Croatia according to their employer (state company – Hrvatske šume Ltd. or private forestry contractor) and self-evaluated Workability Index. A combined three-stage research method was used: (a) defining a sample; (b) preparation and administration of questionnaire; and (c) data analysis and elaboration. The Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) was used as a medium to detect musculoskeletal disorder symptoms in chainsaw operators and the Workability Index (WAI) questionnaire was used as a medium for workability self-evaluation. The field part of face-to-face data collection was conducted in the first quarter of 2022 with a total of 158 sampled workers interviewed directly at the forest worksite. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to verify and analyze the data. The anatomical area with the highest 12-month period prevalence of MSD symptoms for all chainsaw operators is the low back (70.89%), followed by the shoulders (41.14%), neck (39.87%) and wrist/hands (36.71%). Research results, according to the employer, showed that workers employed by Hrvatske šume Ltd. have a higher prevalence of MSD symptoms in almost all anatomical locations compared to chainsaw operators employed by private forest contractors. Mean WAI Score among all respondents was 34.96 points (max. 49) falling into the rank »moderate«, while the current workability compared with the lifetime best was 7.33 (range 0–10). The results of MSD symptoms confirm the self-estimated higher values related to health problems caused by forestry work and lower WAI Score by workers employed in the state forestry sector compared to workers employed in private forestry sector. The prevalence of MSD symptoms, observed through WAI Score, showed a significantly lower percentage of affirmative responses for all anatomical regions except for shoulders in workers who need to maintain their workability. The obtained results show positive correlation with descriptive indicators, where younger workers with less chainsaw work experience have a lower prevalence of MSD symptoms and better WAI Score. In the discussion and conclusion part of the research in question, the need for development of possible solutions is emphasized. The proposed solutions can be included into educational programs or on-site training related to the MSD risks for professional chainsaw workers to change their behaviour that will reduce occupational risks.

Forestry Ergonomics Publications in the Last Decade: A Review

“…Most articles (84) were published by countries from Europe (57) and South America, where Brazil alone published 27 articles-it is also the country with the most published articles. Of the European countries, Italy has the most publications (12).…”

“…Likewise, 85 articles were published in journals of the forestry field and 17 in the journals of the ergonomics field. Most articles (84) were published by countries from Europe (57) and South America, where Brazil alone published 27 articles-it is also the country with the most published articles. Of the European countries, Italy has the most publications (12).…”

“…A significant percentage of respondents also reported symptoms of the upper back (45.6%), shoulders (38.2% for each shoulder), and knees (left 36.0%, right 39.4%). Landekić et al [57] stated that workers employed by a state-owned company have a higher prevalence of MSD symptoms in almost all anatomical locations compared to chainsaw operators employed by private forest contractors. According to Staněk et al [58] the most stressed part of the chainsaw operator's body at the end of a shift was the lumbar region.…”

Design solution for a device to determine the energy consumption of sawing wood with chain saws

“…The development of new technologies, the reduction of energy requirements, and reliability in wood processing are forcing us to increasingly investigate the basic issue of wood sawing with the use of new technologies (Kovac et al 2021(Kovac et al , 2022Landekić 2023, Wójcik 2007. Currently, high demands are placed on forestry and woodworking machines, especially regarding their negative impact from an ecological point of view.…”

The Magnitude of Fatigue Recorded in Individual Body Parts of Chainsaw Operators after Work

“…This work is characterised by, among other things, uncomfortable body positions [22], movement and carrying and operating various working tools in harsh terrain [23]. Chainsaw operators are also exposed to negative physical, psychological and environmental factors due to working outdoors and the frequent use of both hand tools and machines [24]. These factors also include the impact of vibration [25,26], noise [27], dust [28], fumes [29], unnatural and uncomfortable working positions [30] and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).…”