Evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders risks in forestry

The development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) associated with forestry operations is an alarming issue.

In the present paper, an attempt was made to assess the location and the prevalence of the MSDs in timber harvesting tasks.

The analysis of logging-related risk factors was carried out by observing working postures with the use of the assessment tool RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) during harvesting jobs. In addition, the standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used in order to record self-reported MSDs symptoms.

Results revealed that, in all work stages, risk levels were extremely high. According to the results of the RULA analysis, 77.5% of the working postures adopted by the left side of the body and 61.25% of postures involving the right side belong to the very high-risk level. According to the results of the questionnaire, a high percentage of loggers (34%) reported that they were facing problems in their backs and knees.

Training and informing operators about the correct positions and the manual movement techniques, as well as increasing the mechanisation level of harvesting operations could reduce physiological work hardship.