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PubMed1997

Shoulder-arm muscle load and performance during control operation in forestry machines. Effects of changing to a new arm rest, lever and boom control system.

Three work station design studies in forestry machines were carried out with regard to shoulder/arm muscle load. (1) In an arm rest study, a movable (in the sagittal plane) arm rest was compared with a fixed one; (2) in a lever study, a mini lever with a small deflection was compared with an ordinary hand lever; (3) in a boom control study, a computer controlled boom system was compared with an ordinary boom system. In the arm rest study eight male subjects carried out lever operations in the laboratory. In the lever and boom studies, 15 male forestry students operated forwarders. Muscle load, cycle time, skill, perceived exertion, heart rate and preferred set up were recorded. The muscle loads on the upper trapezius, infraspinatus, extensor carpi ulnaris and flexor carpi radialis were recorded by electromyography. With mini lever and movable arm rest the upper trapezius load was reduced with preserved or decreased cycle time, although the grand mean of the 'static' load level was only about 2% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and the effects of the new designs were small (about 0.7% MVC). The subjects preferred the lever/arm rest also giving the lowest muscle load. No differences between levers or arm rests were found in skill, perceived exertion or heart rate. It was not possible to draw any definitive conclusions regarding effects of the boom control system, due to technical problems. According to the literature, the duration of lever operation has increased considerably in forestry during recent years as part of a rationalization process. Partly due to this, it is suggested that the investigated work station improvements may not be sufficient to eliminate the risk for shoulder-neck disorders.

Arm↗
PubMed1998

A review of heat stress research with application to forestry.

Heat is a work factor faced by many forest workers all over the world, and yet grossly neglected by ergonomic research in forestry. This review of heat stress research which focusses on its applicability in forestry concluded that (a) the accuracy of the two ISO heat stress indices has to be considered in the light of the accuracy of the suggested work load determination methods, (b) dehydration studies are highly desirable for forestry, and (c) a standard research method to determine comfort of protective clothing is required. Further areas reviewed were heat stress studies on self-pacing, work/rest schedules and performance.

Body Temperature↗
PubMed1995

[The survey of prevalence of Lyme borreliosis in forestry workers in Saitama prefecture].

Forestry workers in Saitama Prefecture are in high occupational risk to Lyme borreliosis transmitted by ticks. We surveyed the incidence of tick bites and the prevalence of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in 80 forestry workers. ELISA with the antigen from B. burgdorferi sensu stricto B31 as well as Borrelia garinii HP3 and Borrelia japonica HO14 isolated in Japan was used for the detection of antibodies. Antibody-positive cases against B31, HP3 and HO14 was 3.8, 23.8 and 13.8%, respectively. Antibody-positive cases by ELISA were subjected to Western blotting with the antigens from three borrelias. Finally, 20.0% of the workers were antibody-positive by specific antibodies, anti-OspA antibody. The correlation between ELISA and Western blotting was better when HP3 was used as an antigen. One out of 30 normal control individuals was positive in ELISA with HP3 antigen, but negative in Western blotting. Thirty percent of the workers had a history of tick bites, and these cases had no characteristic symptoms of Lyme borreliosis. However, the rate of tick bites in antibody-positive cases was significantly higher than that in antibody-negative cases. These results suggested that the forestry workers in Saitama are very likely to be infected with Lyme borreliosis transmitted by ticks.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Multivariate analysis on the relationship between subjective symptoms and risk factors for the development of symptoms including working conditions, life habits and physical status in forestry workers using chain saw].

To determine the risk factors of the subjective symptoms experienced by chain saw workers, we surveyed 206 forestry workers using this device in their work. The strength of the relationship between their symptoms and such potential risk factors as occupational, behavioral, and physical factors was evaluated by a multiple logistic regression model. It was found that many years of chain saw operation, and numerous hours of chain saw operation per day, increased the risk of white finger, numbness of hands and arms, chillness of hands and arms and difficulty in joint movement, indicating that these symptoms were closely related to vibration exposure. Many years of forestry work before chain saw work also increased the risk of joint pain, suggesting that bone and joint disorders are related to heavy manual work not using a chain saw. A second job involving manual labor increased the risk of weakness in the arms, stiffness of the shoulders, and lumbago. Infrequent bathing was associated with increased risk of pain in hands and arms and lumbago. Older workers had a higher prevalence of stomach discomfort. No risk factor was found to significantly increase the risk of easy fatigability, forgetfulness and sleep disorder. It was found that not only exposure to vibration but also other factors contributed to the prevalence of pain in hands and arms, joint pain, weakness in arms, stiffness of shoulder, and lumbago. Second job and infrequent bathing appeared to be related to the occurrence of certain subjective symptoms. These contributory factors should be taken into account when evaluating subjective symptoms encountered in field studies of forestry workers.

Behavior↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Hymenoptera stings in forestry department agents: evaluation of risk].

BACKGROUND: In sensitized subjects Hymenoptera stings may provoke the awakening of mediated systemic reactions of I type IgE, which can sometimes be serious. Considering the type of work performed activity and the high frequency of reported hymenoptera sting episodes, a sample of 206 Forestry Department agents was surveyed who worked outside urban areas in the Marche Region. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to analyse the prevalence of stings and their possible systemic reactions, as well as to evaluate the type of occupational risks involved. METHODS: A total of 206 agents were examined and questioned about the number of stings suffered during work and about the kind of subsequent skin and systemic reactions; they were then classified according to the method proposed by H.L. Mueller. RESULTS: 179 agents reported having suffered from hymenoptera stings and, of these, 53 subjects (29,6%) remembered that one episode at least occurred during work. Among 175 operators (98%), 4 had a regular reaction, with appearance of a generalized urticaria and uneasiness. In the remaining 4 agents (2%) there was a local extensive reaction, which was not associated with systemic reactions and they were all referred to allergological examination. 19 agents (10,6%) suffered more than 5 stings altogether, but none developed a systemic reaction. 87% of the subjects practised self-medication, 7% reported to the casualty department of the local hospital or to their own doctor, and 6% undertook no cure at all. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiological studies agree in recognizing that, in the general population, the percentage of systemic reactions after one or more hymenoptera stings varies from 0,15% to 3,3%. In categories of workers occupationally at risk, the prevalence of systemic reactions varies from 4,5% to 26%. The prevalence of systemic reactions in Forestry Department agents was 2%, which is similar to the prevalence in the general population. Therefore, rather than occupational risk, there appeared to be a generic risk made more serious by working conditions for Forestry Department agents due to their possible exposure to hymenoptera stings. The occupational health physician needs to monitor these events, due to the fact that frequent exposure to stings, above all occurring within a short period of time (less than two months) favours an increase in the tendency to develop systemic reactions, with a more serious prognosis, especially when working in isolated conditions.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

The epidemiology of forestry work-related injuries in New Zealand, 1975-88: fatalities and hospitalisations.

AIM: This paper presents a detailed investigation of the injury experience of New Zealand forestry workers, including loggers and silviculture workers. METHODS: Record linkage of multiple data sources. RESULTS: During the period 1975-88, there were 81 work-related fatalities among loggers and 10 fatalities among silviculture workers, yielding fatality rates of 2.03 and 0.15 per 1000 workers/year, respectively. These figures were substantially higher than the fatal injury rate among the overall New Zealand workforce of 0.07 deaths per 1000 workers/year. In addition there were 1068 work-related injuries resulting in hospitalisation among loggers, and 478 among silviculture workers, yielding hospitalisation rates of 38.93 and 9.58 per 1000 workers/year, respectively. The types of injury contact involved in each incident were analysed. Contact with falling trees was the leading cause of death in forestry, accounting for over half of the fatal injuries among loggers and a third among silviculture workers. For loggers, the three commonest types of contact resulting in hospitalisation were: chainsaw injuries (n = 351; 33%), falling trees (n = 269; 25%), and rolling logs (n = 82; 8%). Among silviculture workers, the three commonest types of contact resulting in hospitalisation were: chainsaw injuries (n = 108; 23%), falling trees (n = 96; 20%), and falls/slips and trips (n = 94; 20%) CONCLUSION: There is clear need for continued efforts to improve the overall safety of forestry work in New Zealand.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed1995

Hand-arm vibration in tropical rain forestry workers.

Working conditions and health hazards including vibration syndrome related to forestry work using chain-saws were studied in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. The subjects comprised 291 workers including 97 chain-saw operators. The health examination consisted of peripheral circulatory and sensory tests in the upper extremities. The vibration spectrum measured at the handle of the chain-saw indicated that these acceleration levels would lead to a moderately high risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). The peripheral circulatory function tests revealed dysfunction after more than five years vibration exposure. However, in general, the results of the function tests and subjective complaints showed fewer health problems compared to those of Japanese forestry workers. The reason of such differences of vibration effects seem to be the following: (1) warmer climate (more than 25 degrees C throughout the year), (2) young workers and short work experience. (3) short time vibration exposures on working days in the natural forests, (4) seasonal changes in logging work (5) healthy workers effects. Thus, we found no clear evidence that the workers of our study suffered from HAVS. A principal component analysis was applied. The factor score of the components of the reactive dynamics of peripheral circulation differed significantly after more than five years' exposure. On the other hand, we cannot deny the possibility that subclinical dysfunction of peripheral circulation may be caused by chain-saw operation in the tropics in future. Further investigations on the HAVS among forestry workers in the tropic environment are needed.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

An association between Raynaud's phenomenon and hearing loss in forestry workers.

Forestry workers using chain saws run the risk of both vibration disease and noise-induced hearing loss. It was reported that people with Raynaud's phenomenon of occupational origin had more severe hearing loss than those without it. A possibility of confounding due to age and duration of noise exposure from the tools remained unsolved, however. A matched pair case-control study was conducted to eliminate such confounding. Forestry workers operating chain saws, bush cleaners and/or winches were investigated. For 37 men with Raynaud's phenomenon a control was chosen from those unaffected whose age and operating hours for the tools were almost equal to those of the cases. Good matching was achieved for age and for total hours of work with the tools. The cases had higher median hearing threshold than the controls at every frequency. The difference was significant (p less than 0.05) at 4 and 8 kHz and almost significant at 2 kHz (p not equal to 0.06). According to our classification of the audiogram, the cases had more advanced types of noise-induced hearing loss than did the controls. Thus, an association between Raynaud's phenomenon and hearing impairment in forestry workers handling chain saws and/or other tools was found to persist even after the effect of age and exposure time was eliminated.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

The role of physiology in forestry.

Although a great deal of information concerning the physiology of trees has been accumulated, physiology has made a smaller contribution to forestry than it should. This is partly because of a lack of communication between field and laboratory workers and partly because of a lack of a general understanding of the role of physiology in forestry. The physiological processes of trees are the machinery through which the genetic potential and the environment operate to determine the quantity and quality of growth. Actual wood production usually is far below the genetic and physiological potential because important physiological processes are often inhibited by environmental stresses such as drought, mineral deficiencies, unfavorable temperatures, and air pollution. The most useful contribution that physiologists can make to forestry is to determine which physiological processes are inhibited by particular stresses and suggest to tree breeders what characteristics will minimize the inhibitory effects of these stresses. Cooperative screening studies with geneticists to identify differences among families and provenances that result in differences in stress tolerance should be very productive. Perhaps as the cost of establishing forest stands increases, more attention will be paid to the selection of genotypes with physiological characteristics best suited to local environments. Because of the complex interactions among stresses there is need for long-term interdisciplinary research programs in which soil scientists, meteorologists, and physiologists cooperate with foresters and forest geneticists in identifying stresses and their inhibitory effects on forest productivity. Because of the increasing specialization in science there also is great need for broadly trained generalists who can understand research in several fields, identify important contributions, and show their significance to investigators in other fields.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1997

Fatal Occupational Injuries in the Forestry and Logging Industry in North Carolina, 1977-1991.

Fatal occupational injuries in the forestry and logging industry and occupation in the state of North Carolina from January 1, 1977, to December 31, 1991, were analyzed. Data were obtained through the North Carolina medical examiners system. The analysis was performed for the whole state as well as for the four forestry regions into which the state is divided. A total of 125 deaths happened over the study period. All were men, and the majority (60%) were white, with a mean age of 43 years. The crude fatality rate for the overall study period was 2.2 deaths per 1,000 person-years, with age-specific rates increasing with age. The Piedmont region had the highest proportion of cases (31.2%), while the Mountain region accounted for the highest overall rate (22.7 per 1,000 person-years). For all the forestry regions, the leading means of injury was found to be falling objects.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1992

Hand-arm vibration syndrome and its prevalence in the present status of private forestry enterprises in Japan.

Currently there are no limitations on age of employment on private forestries in Japan. Hence, it was hypothesized that in these kind of enterprises, elderly chain saw operators, or those with long-term exposure, might be at higher risk of developing hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). We consequently investigated the prevalence of HAVS in 447 chain saw workers on private forestries in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, with particular reference to age and exposure period. Of this population, 43 (9.6%) had signs and symptoms of vibration-induced white finger (VWF), and among these workers the severity of finger blanching was significantly correlated (P less than 0.01) with the exposure period. Classification of all subjects by exposure period showed that workers with greater than or equal to 30 years' exposure had higher prevalences of VWF (20.9%) and numbness of the hands (25.4%) compared to other groups. Significant differences (P less than 0.01) were found between the functional capacities of workers with VWF and those of control subjects. We concluded that (a) the elderly chain saw operators and those with longer exposure should be moved to other jobs with a lower or no risk of exposure to vibration, and (b) the results of screening tests, even without cold water immersion (which we did not employ, in order to protect workers' hands), could be helpful for the identification of workers with VWF.

Forestry↗
PubMed1991

Biological monitoring of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid-exposed workers in agriculture and forestry.

This is a report on the application of a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in biological monitoring of occupationally exposed sprayers. Urinalysis was conducted on two workers involved in spraying 2,4-D sodium salt solution with car mounted ground rigs in agriculture and on the pilot and the mixer-loader of a helicopter crew applying 2,4-D dimethylamine salt for brush control in forestry. All sprayers showed detectable quantities of 2,4-D in morning urine samples voided over 4 or 6 days in the post-spraying period. The highest 2,4-D urinary concentrations of about 2.5 ppm could be measured in a car driver on the 3 day after exposure. The 2,4-D level in urine was much lower in forestry workers, with 0.365 ppm for the mixer-loader and 0.052 ppm for the pilot on the 1 day after spraying. Urinary 2,4-D concentrations in the agricultural study were adjusted for endogenous creatinine and, when normalized for body weight, resulted in a total 2,4-D uptake of about 5.7 or 84.9 micrograms/kg body wt. for a single spraying operation. Thus, the calculated absorbed dose was less than the NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) of 10 mg/kg body weight per day by a large margin of safety. Further, the calculated amounts excreted seemed to be sufficiently reliable to be used for assessing the risk of human exposure to 2,4-D. However, more studies are desirable for confirmation of the association of urinary 2,4-D and creatinine excretion. Clearance occurs with a 12-h to 22-h half-life.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗
PubMed2002

Integrating social preference in GIS-aided planning for forestry and conservation activities: a case study from rural SE Asia.

Land-use planning using geographic information systems (GIS) commonly emphasizes biophysical spatial data; however planning can be improved by integrating spatial sets of socioeconomic data into the GIS. As an example, we compared a traditional GIS-aided forestry planning protocol that considered only biophysical suitability, with an integrated GIS-aided approach that incorporated both biophysical and socioeconomic suitability. The analyses were conducted for the planning of plantation investments in the Kyaukpadaung Township in the dry zone of central Myanmar. The traditional approach used three biophysical layers for suitability: land use, slope, and accessibility. In contrast, the integrated GIS approach included biophysical suitability data, perceptions and preferences of local villagers towards forestry (social suitability), and quantitative socioeconomic data. The results indicated that the integrated approach provided two principal benefits over the traditional method. First, the integrated method resulted in a more precise idea of suitable sites for plantation investment that could benefit more rural people and also lead to greater investment efficiency. Second, incorporating social preference into the GIS takes into account the crucial element of social capital (viz., social preference), which should lead to higher levels of community acceptance of plantation projects because those plantations would be established on socially suitable land. A second GIS exercise showed how conservation investment decisions could be informed using the integrated method. The results of this study support the idea that GIS-aided planning activities can be enhanced through the incorporation of social data into the analysis. When applicable, spatial data collection efforts for GIS-based planning exercises should incorporate spatial socioeconomic data.

Asia, Southeastern↗
PubMed1998

A prospective study of the cold response of digital vessels in forestry workers exposed to saw vibration.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the occurrence of vibration-induced white finger (VWF) and the cold response of digital vessels in a group of 68 forestry workers who underwent a first clinical examination in 1990 and were then reexamined in 1995. METHODS: The forestry workers were divided into three groups: group A (n = 27), active workers who did not have VWF in 1990 and continued to use chain saws; group B (n = 29), workers who did not have VWF in 1990 and retired before 1995; and group C (n = 12), active or retired workers who had VWF in 1990. The subjects underwent a medical interview, a complete physical examination, and a cold provocation test, which were performed by the same physicians at both surveys. The cold test consisted of measurement of the finger systolic blood pressure (FSBP) after local cooling to 10 degrees C, expressed as a percentage of the pressure recorded at 30 degrees C (FSBP%10 degrees). RESULTS: Three new cases of VWF occurred during the follow-up period among workers who had used only antivibration (AV) chain saws. The vasoconstrictor response to cold was unchanged in group A and improved in group B (P < 0.001). A significant decrease in VWF symptoms and abnormal response to cold was observed in group C (P < 0.05). As a result of preventive measures curtailing saw usage time in the VWF workers, the daily vibration exposure in group C was lower in 1995 than in 1990 (P = 0.02). In the retired workers, FSBP%10 degrees was positively related to the time since the cessation of work with chain saws (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this follow-up study indicate that a reduction in or cessation of exposure to vibration has a beneficial effect on finger-blanching symptoms and the cold response of digital vessels. The occurrence of new cases of VWF in subjects whose work experience was limited to AV chain saws argues for the maintenance of health surveillance in these workers.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Assessing the potential of native tree species for carbon sequestration forestry in Northeast China.

Although the native forests of China are exceptionally diverse, only a small number of tree species have been widely utilized in forest plantations and reforestation efforts. We used dendrochronological sampling methods to assess the potential growth and carbon sequestration of native tree species in Jilin Province, Northeast China. Trees were sampled in and near the Changbaishan Biosphere Reserve, with samples encompassing old-growth, disturbed forest, and plantations. To approximate conditions for planted trees, sampling focused on trees with exposed crowns (dominant and co-dominant individuals). A log-linear relationship was found between diameter increment and tree diameter, with a linear decrease in increment with increasing local basal area; no significant differences in these patterns between plantations and natural stands were detected for two commonly planted species (Pinus koraiensis and Larix olgensis). A growth model that incorporates observed feedbacks with individual tree size and local basal area (in conjunction with allometric models for tree biomass), was used to project stand-level biomass increment. Predicted growth trajectories were then linked to the carbon process model InTEC to provide estimates of carbon sequestration potential. Results indicate substantial differences among species, and suggest that certain native hardwoods (in particular Fraxinus mandshurica and Phellodendron amurense), have high potential for use in carbon forestry applications. Increased use of native hardwoods in carbon forestry in China is likely to have additional benefits in terms of economic diversification and enhanced provision of "ecosystem services", including biodiversity protection.

Biodiversity↗
PubMed2001

Reducing sediment inputs to Scottish streams: a review of the efficacy of soil conservation practices in upland forestry.

The historical process by which a soil conservation strategy has evolved within the UK forestry industry is briefly reviewed. Particular attention is given to the development of practical and effective guidelines to prevent both soil damage and sediment entering water courses. It is concluded that the 'Forest and Water Guidelines', together with other forest industry manuals, largely provide adequate protection for aquatic habitats from pre-afforestation cultivation and from harvesting activities. The problem of soil erosion owing to ploughing of open furrows has largely been obviated by improved drainage network design coupled with the use of vegetated buffer strips and sediment catchpits. Alternative site preparation techniques, such as 'moling' or 'dolloping' of afforestation sites, are now preferred. However, the effects on slope hydrology and the improved soil conservation associated with these methods require quantifying. Additional understanding of effective buffer strip function, for example, on a variety of slope angles, soil types and vegetation associations would be beneficial. The design of forest roads and the associated network of drains, culverts and sediment catchpits is addressed in forestry guidelines. Future potential in this area may involve the use of Geographical Information Systems in the effective design of road networks which minimise adverse effects on slope hydrology. Similarly computer simulation of flow routing might aid in the design of road drain networks. At the more local scale there remains scope for further research aimed at minimising soil disturbance by machinery. Consideration should also be given to the long-term sustainability of the soil structure through second and subsequent crop rotations.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗
PubMed1997

Prevalence of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in forestry workers of Ile de France, France.

A cross-sectional sero-epidemiological study was conducted on forestry workers, a high risk population for Lyme borreliosis. The prevalence of seropositive forestry workers (indirect immuno fluorescence assay) is 15.2% (n = 211). Almost 70% of participants reported a history of tick bite. Among districts, high seroprevalences were observed in Fontainebleau and Rambouillet; two sites of high risk for Lyme borreliosis. However, clinical prevalence of the disease is very low. During the investigation no active Lyme borreliosis was observed. Thus, asymptomatic infection predominates.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Business strategies for conservation on private lands: Koa forestry as a case study.

Innovative financial instruments are being created to reward conservation on private, working lands. Major design challenges remain, however, to make investments in biodiversity and ecosystem services economically attractive and commonplace. From a business perspective, three key financial barriers for advancing conservation land uses must frequently be addressed: high up-front costs, long time periods with no revenue, and high project risk due to long time horizons and uncertainty. We explored ways of overcoming these barriers on grazing lands in Hawaii by realizing a suite of timber and conservation revenue streams associated with their (partial) reforestation. We calculated the financial implications of alternative strategies, focusing on Acacia koa ("koa") forestry because of its high conservation and economic potential. Koa's timber value alone creates a viable investment (mean net present value = $453/acre), but its long time horizon and poor initial cash flow pose formidable challenges for landowners. At present, subsidy payments from a government conservation program targeting benefits for biodiversity, water quality, and soil erosion have the greatest potential to move landowners beyond the tipping point in favor of investments in koa forestry, particularly when combined with future timber harvest (mean net present value = $1,661/acre). Creating financial mechanisms to capture diverse ecosystem service values through time will broaden opportunities for conservation land uses. Governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private investors have roles to play in catalyzing this transition by developing new revenue streams that can reach a broad spectrum of landowners.

Acacia↗