Human Factors and Work Conditions in Forest Maintenance and Planting Operations

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate the human factors and working conditions in forestry maintenance and planting operations in order to improve comfort, safety and health conditions of workers. The study was conducted in a forest company located in the region of Campos Gerais, Parana State. The characterization of human factors and work conditions was conducted by interviews with 72 workers of syilviculture activities. The results indicated that the workers’ average age was 34.9 years, most of them from rural origin, married, with low level of education, and short time experience in the company and the function, 14.9 and 12.5 months, respectively. In the opinion of most of the workers, the protection glasses used in the herbicide application activity were identified as a cause of discomfort at work.