Habip Eroglu

A Study on Determining the Physical Workload of the Forest Harvesting and Nursery-Afforestation Workers

Abstract This study examines the physical workload, isometric strength and body composition values of workers working in the forestry industry. Researches in 10 different test areas in total were carried out, including 31 workers of forest harvesting and 30 workers of forest nursery-afforestation in The Regional Directorate of Forestry, Artvin (RDF). As the result of the workload measurement conducted on the workers, the physiological workload (%HRR) of harvesting and nursery-afforestation workers was found as 40.9 percent and 32.4 percent on average, respectively. This finding leads to the conclusion that nursing-afforestation workers can be classified as “light-work” workers, whereas harvesting workers must be classified as “medium-weight work” workers. Heartbeat rates for both worker groups during resting (HRrest) were almost identical; however, the heartbeat rates while at work (HRmax) were found to be higher in harvesting workers than in nursing-afforestation workers, which suggests that harvesting workers are more challenged at some periods of their work activity.

Effects of Work Types and Workload on Certain Anthropometric Parameters in Forestry Workers

Abstract Using computer software and anthropometric measurements, the present study analyzes the changes in body posture associated with the workload exposure of harvesting and nursery-afforestation workers. Studies were conducted in 10 different locations within the boundaries of the Regional Directorate of Forestry (RDF) in Artvin, Turkey. A total of 88 male forestry workers (32 harvesting and 56 nursery-afforestation worker) aged between 18 and 61 years, were assessed in the study. Forestry activities are associated with an intense deformation in the upper extremities, having a detrimental effect on anthropometric parameters and the development of an abnormal posture, which results from intense stress on the muscles and other tissues with increasing workload. This effect was found to be more severe among the harvesting workers when compared to the nursery-afforestation workers.