Ergonomic Analysis of Logging Operations in Onigambari Forest Reserve

Abstract

This study attempted to determine ergonomic analysis in logging operations in Onigambari Forest Reserve. It specifically examined the risk factors associated with logging operations in the study area. The study used a reconnaissance to obtain data from 51 loggers who were available in the forest reserve using a checklist. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency count, tables and charts to achieve the study objectives. Our results showed that awareness of standard rules and safety regulations fell short of expectations, while the employers did not provide the necessary information and protective gadgets. Noise assessment showed that all workers were exposed to noise, but just 2% reported effects of noise on their work, while 21.6% reported effects of noise on their health. The study found that none of the workers had ever gone for an audiometry test. The workers agreed that accidents could affect their work; felling and breaking of tree branches were reported as the most common accidents, although worker carelessness was also reported to be a major cause, 56.9% of the workers were exposed to vibrations, of these, 39.2% were exposed to whole body vibration. 19.6% were exposed to hand-arm vibration. The study concludes and recommends that first aid boxes equipped with the necessary drugs be provided to limit, reduce and curb minor injuries from becoming complex ones. Personal protective should always be worn by loggers or operators for preventive measures as well as a reduction in hours worked per day.