Ergonomic aspects of vibration transmitted to operators from harvesting and transport vehicles in forestry

There are a large number of forest harvesting and transport vehicle operator in Turkey, and many of them are faced with serious health problems related to mechanical vibration. These health problems depends on the duration and intensity of the vibration. Some of the variables must be measured to estimate the health risks. Complex measurements should be realized to determine the whole-body vibration on the operator's seat. In this study, the whole body vibrations transmitted to operators during normal operations daily measurements of three perpendicular axes (x, y, z) were examined. The obtained values were compared with the daily limit values to be exposed to the ISO 2631-1 standards. Some measurements were carried out both with the new seats and damping property lost seats in order to reduce the vibrations transmitted to the drivers seat suspension system. In addition, waist and back radiographic analysis of high-level and long-term drivers exposed to whole-body vibration was performed in the hospital setting, to determine whether there are ailments arising from vibration or not. Accordingly, most effective Z-axis vibration measurements with available seats on pulling (drummed) tractors, skidders tractor and truck operators were determined to be above the warning limit (>0,50) and under the danger limit (<1,15). This value can be reduced below the warning limit (<0,5) with the use of new seats. Differences also occurred depending on the type of vehicle, John Deere tractor had the lowest vertical directional vibration values among three different pulling (drummed) tractors. In addition, as a result of the calculation of maximum working time, considering the international standards warning limit (0,5 ms-2), working time is thought to be increased with the use of factory new seats, accordingly, the maximum working time is identified for the suspension new tractor seats and new truck seats . As a result of the examination and radiological examination of the nine operators, 77,77 % have back, 77,77 % have back and lumbar herniations are exposed to diseases and herniation in the lumbar region, called L1-L5 L5-S1 and L4 5 pieces of vertebrae -L5 levels were frequently found. 77,77 % 'in this slice of, 22,22 % pulling (drummed) tractor operators, tractor operators skidders with 22,22 % and 33,33 % truck operators. Waist and back ailments skidders felt the lightest tractor operators, while operators tractor skidders showed itself without pain disorders, and pulling (drummed) tractor operators have been identified in the opposite situation. Also, taller and fatter operators have more hernia according to other vehicle operators. The aim of this study was to perform an ergonomic analysis of the vibration resulting from harvesting and transport vehicles used in forestry activities in Turkey. In the study, the whole body vibration levels to which the operators were exposed while working with the vehicles were determined, and some suggestions were made by considering the results obtained from the study, to reduce operator exposure to vibrations during operation. Keywords : Ergonomics, Forestry, Health, Vibration, Harvesting