Physiological Workload of Chainsaw Felling and Processing Workers in Uneven-aged Mixed Stands
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54652/rsf.2021.v51.i2.357Abstract
Forest harvesting in Bosnia and Herzegovina is done by chainsaws in felling and processing phase, and cable skidders in skidding phase in most cases. The aim of study was to determine physiological workload of chainsaw operator in felling and processing of wood assortments on the basis of the measurement of a heart rate. The research was carried out in mixed uneven-aged stands of Silver fir (Abies alba L.), European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) managed by two Cantonal Public Enterprise in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Heart rate was measured using Garmin Forerunner 35 GPS Running Watch with Wrist-based Heart Rate (Garmin Ltd., United States) with continuous data logging and storage of heart rate readings. Felling and processing works were recorded with action camera during whole working day. Time study was performed based on made videos. The average working heart rate (effective time and delays) was 117 bpm (beats per minute) for subject A and 113 bpm for subject B. The results of Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences for average heart rate in relation to time study element. The average heart rate reserve (%HRR) was 47.15% for subject A and 50.00% for subject B. The study results showed that heart rate reserve of chainsaw operator during tree felling and processing exceeded value of 40% which corresponds to heavy work and may have negative impacts on the health of the workers.
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