Evaluating Forest Machine Operator Musculoskeletal Health

The intern will conduct a detailed cross-sectional study of ergonomic issues impacting operators of typical tree-harvesting machines used in Atlantic Canada. Operators from forest products companies will be recruited for this study. Data will be collected from structured interviews, field testing and simulated forest machine tasks. Recommendations will be developed to provide both owners and operators with the information they need to analyze current operational practices, in order to develop ergonomic guidelines, which will reduce workplace injuries and stress, and increase machine efficiencies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Usha Kuruganti

Student:

Dawn Santucci

Partner:

IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Discipline:

Kinesiology

Sector:

Forestry

University:

University of New Brunswick