| In this project, 3 research targets with different approaches to increase work safety and improve ergonomics are implemented.
Target 1: Fully mechanized systems with auxiliary traction winches on steep slopes. Mental stress and its effects on the health of the machine operator and on the quality of work
Fully mechanized wood harvesting systems working in CTL process in steep slopes enable to reduce timber harvesting costs and hazardous manual work. Depending on work quality, reduction of damage to the stand and retention of nutrient-rich branch biomass in the stand appears possible.
Controlling machines in steep terrain is a major challenge, however, and leads to a high level of mental stress. Stress-related fatigue may lead to less concentration lower quality of work.
The aim of this study is to investigate how increasing slope inclination affects stress-related fatigue and worker’s ability to concentrate and how this affects the quality of work. and under what conditions the quality of work required for higher climatic fitness of the forest can be achieved.
Target 2: Person recognition systems to increase safety in forest work
Most accidents occur when people are unexpectedly in the danger zone of hazardous work.
In this project, existing technologies are to be used or adapted accordingly in order to enable the detection of people in the immediate danger area, e.g. when trees are felled. In a first step, a solution is to be developed that enables the detection of persons equipped with technology suitable for this purpose within the danger area during felling. Future expansion stages should also include or recognize unknown persons (e.g. hikers).
Target 3: Improvement of ergonomics and occupational safety by the use of auxiliary rope winches in ground-based logging
24% of accidents while working in the forest are caused by tripping and falling (AUVA, accident statistics 2020). With high physical exertion, the perception of obstacles decreases and this increases the risk of accidents. In means of increasing rope diameter the required force to pull out the rope manually increases also. Skidding downhill, this effect is multiplied by the need to pull the rope uphill. With auxiliary winches built on the main winch, new methods can be used that are suitable for significantly reducing the workload when pulling out the rope. As part of the study, new methods will be developed and their effects on ergonomics and productivity will be examined. |