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

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dc.contributor.advisor Brink, M.P. en
dc.contributor.coadvisor Todd, Andrew I.
dc.contributor.coadvisor Chirwa, Paxie W.
dc.contributor.postgraduate Phairah, Kudakwashe C. en
dc.date.accessioned 2015-07-02T11:06:43Z
dc.date.available 2015-07-02T11:06:43Z
dc.date.created 2015/04/22 en
dc.date.issued 2014 en
dc.description Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2014. en
dc.description.abstract 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. en
dc.description.availability Unrestricted en
dc.description.degree MSc en
dc.description.department Plant Production and Soil Science en
dc.description.librarian tm2015 en
dc.identifier.citation 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> en
dc.identifier.other A2015 en
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/2263/46059
dc.language.iso en en
dc.publisher University of Pretoria en_ZA
dc.rights © 2015 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. en
dc.subject UCTD en
dc.subject Musculoskeletal disorders
dc.subject Mechanised harvesting
dc.subject Ergonomics
dc.subject South Africa
dc.title Operator work-related musculoskeletal discomfort during forwarding operations in South Africa : an ergonomic assessment en
dc.type Dissertation en


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