Measuring Coupling Forces Woodcutters Exert on Saws in Real Working Conditions

Prolonged exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) generated by chainsaws can cause HAV syndrome, i.e., disorders in the upper extremities of forestry workers. Progress of HAV syndrome depends on the intensity of mechanical vibration transmitted throughout the body, which is directly proportional to cou...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics 2012-01, Vol.18 (1), p.77-83
Main Authors: Malinowska-Borowska, Jolanta, Harazin, Barbara, Zieliński, Grzegorz
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Analysis of Variance
chainsaw
coupling forces
Ergonomics
Forestry
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome - etiology
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome - physiopathology
Hardness
Humans
hydro-electronic force meter
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases - etiology
Occupational Diseases - physiopathology
Pressure
Stress, Mechanical
Vibration - adverse effects
vibration exposure
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Summary:Prolonged exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) generated by chainsaws can cause HAV syndrome, i.e., disorders in the upper extremities of forestry workers. Progress of HAV syndrome depends on the intensity of mechanical vibration transmitted throughout the body, which is directly proportional to coupling forces applied by the woodcutter to a vibrating tool. This study aimed to establish a method of measuring coupling forces exerted by chainsaw workers in real working conditions. Coupling forces exerted by workers with their right and left hands were measured with a hydro-electronic force meter. Wood hardness, the type of chainsaw and the kind of forest operation, i.e., felling, cross-cutting or limbing, were considered.
ISSN:1080-3548
2376-9130
DOI:10.1080/10803548.2012.11076918