Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.5552/crojfe.2023.2073
Workability and Physical Wellbeing Among Chainsaw Operators in Croatia
Matija Landekić
orcid.org/0000-0002-5776-6811
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology Department of Forest Engineering Svetošimunska cesta 23 10 000 Zagreb CROATIA
Mario Šporčić
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology Department of Forest Engineering Svetošimunska cesta 23 10 000 Zagreb CROATIA
Marin Bačić
orcid.org/0000-0002-1205-4060
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology Department of Forest Engineering Svetošimunska cesta 23 10 000 Zagreb CROATIA
Zdravko Pandur
orcid.org/0000-0003-4046-1349
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology Department of Forest Engineering Svetošimunska cesta 23 10 000 Zagreb CROATIA
Matija Bakarić
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology Department of Forest Engineering Svetošimunska cesta 23 10 000 Zagreb CROATIA
Sažetak
Motor-manual felling and wood processing is a high-risk work process where the chainsaw,
in connection to other variables in the working environment, is a key and constant source of
risk and danger for forest chainsaw operators. Pursuant to the foregoing, the purpose of this
research is to investigate and compare detected musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms
among the chainsaw workers in Croatia according to their employer (state company – Hrvatske
šume Ltd. or private forestry contractor) and self-evaluated Workability Index. A combined
three-stage research method was used: (a) defining a sample; (b) preparation and administration
of questionnaire; and (c) data analysis and elaboration. The Standardized Nordic Questionnaire
(SNQ) was used as a medium to detect musculoskeletal disorder symptoms in chainsaw
operators and the Workability Index (WAI) questionnaire was used as a medium for
workability self-evaluation. The field part of face-to-face data collection was conducted in the
first quarter of 2022 with a total of 158 sampled workers interviewed directly at the forest
worksite. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to verify and analyze the
data. The anatomical area with the highest 12-month period prevalence of MSD symptoms for
all chainsaw operators is the low back (70.89%), followed by the shoulders (41.14%), neck
(39.87%) and wrist/hands (36.71%). Research results, according to the employer, showed that
workers employed by Hrvatske šume Ltd. have a higher prevalence of MSD symptoms in almost
all anatomical locations compared to chainsaw operators employed by private forest
contractors. Mean WAI Score among all respondents was 34.96 points (max. 49) falling into
the rank »moderate«, while the current workability compared with the lifetime best was 7.33
(range 0–10). The results of MSD symptoms confirm the self-estimated higher values related
to health problems caused by forestry work and lower WAI Score by workers employed in the
state forestry sector compared to workers employed in private forestry sector. The prevalence
of MSD symptoms, observed through WAI Score, showed a significantly lower percentage of
affirmative responses for all anatomical regions except for shoulders in workers who need to
maintain their workability. The obtained results show positive correlation with descriptive
indicators, where younger workers with less chainsaw work experience have a lower prevalence
of MSD symptoms and better WAI Score. In the discussion and conclusion part of the research
in question, the need for development of possible solutions is emphasized. The proposed solutions
can be included into educational programs or on-site training related to the MSD risks
for professional chainsaw workers to change their behaviour that will reduce occupational
risks.
Ključne riječi
forestry, chainsaw operator, workability, musculoskeletal disorders, Croatia
Hrčak ID:
290875
URI
Datum izdavanja:
13.1.2023.
Posjeta: 376 *