The Health Implication of Chainsaw Usage on the Forest Workers

Rita Amankona Asuama

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Chainsaw is portable mechanical instrument that is used to perform functions like felling, bucking, pruning etc. This instrument was developed in 1830 and has gone through a lot of design changes due to the risk factors associated with it. The change of the chainsaw design from manual to electric has taken place over the years. The unchecked exposure to hardwood dust is common in forestry workers since they are involved in cutting various trees during a variety of operations. This is a main health hazard and this exposure to hardwood dust is due to the chainsaw usage and cutting. The generation of vibration and noise also has harmful health implications. Although the basic design of chainsaw has undergone a lot of evolution, there still is a gap for improvement in terms of its performance and safety. As this instrument is commonly used in various forestry techniques, especially motor-manual tree felling, the exposure to hardwood dust is responsible for many respiratory disorders. The harmful diseases that have been reported include hearing impairment, digestive issues, nervous system issues, migraines, and other health problems. This research work focuses on identifying and pinpointing the health issues caused by chainsaw usage during wood logging amongst forestry workers. Recommendations for better safety by automating these processes have also been given. Furthermore, the suitable measures and policies for forestry workers have also been discussed with the help of different case studies considered during this research study.

Keywords

Chain saw, Health hazards, Forest

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 14. 6. 2020

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Ing. Jan Macků, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences

Bachelor programme / field:
Forestry / Forestry