Postural Discomfort in Manual Operations of Forest Planting

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the postural discomfort and health risks of workers in manual forest plantation operations of a company located in the region of Campos Gerais, Paraná State. Data was collected through interviews, using the postural diagram proposed by Corlett, in a sample of 226 workers from manual planting, fertilization and herbicide application operations. The results indicated that manual planting operations caused greater postural discomfort in the legs of 56% of workers, while the fertilization and herbicide application caused discomfort in the shoulders of 41% and 56% of workers, respectively. The perception of postural discomfort during work is important to assist managers in adopting ergonomic measures for improving the safety and health of workers.

摘要 本研究针对位于巴拉那州坎波斯热赖斯（Campos Gerais）地区某企业的人工林营林作业工人，评估其姿势不适与职业健康风险。研究通过访谈结合科莱特（Corlett）提出的姿势图解法，对226名参与人工造林、施肥及除草剂喷施作业的工人开展采样调研。结果显示，人工造林作业导致56%的工人腿部出现显著姿势不适；而施肥与除草剂喷施作业则分别造成41%与56%的工人肩部不适。作业过程中对姿势不适的感知情况，可为管理者制定人体工学干预措施、改善工人职业安全与健康状况提供重要参考依据。