Title: Ergonomic work analysis: a case study in a sawmill located in the Southern of Brazil

Authors: Mariana Fachin Saldanha; Aline Falcão; Adriana Dias Da Silva; Luis Antonio dos Santos Franz

Addresses: Federal University of Pampa (UNIPAMPA), 335 São João st, Getúlio Vargas – Bagé, RS, 96412-500, Brazil. ' Federal University of Pampa (UNIPAMPA) 342 Líbio Vinhas st, Menino Deus – Bagé, RS, 96402550, Brazil. ' Federal University of Pampa (UNIPAMPA), 335 São João st, Getúlio Vargas – Bagé, RS, 96412-500, Brazil. ' Federal University of Pampa (UNIPAMPA), 45 Travessa st, Malafaia – Bagé, RS, 96413-170, Brazil

Abstract: The wood and related products have a great economic and social importance on worldwide market. In the particular case of Brazil, the sawmills present a wide range of possibilities for ergonomic demands improvement. In this sense, the present study aims at investigating ergonomic conditions in a sawmill located in the southern of Rio Grande do Sul, a Brazilian state. To this end, the study methodology consisted in the application of field surveys, in-site observation and ergonomic analysis techniques. The results show the most critical job is the hydraulic carriage drive (HCD)'s control, which demands an immediate improvement of postural conditions. Furthermore, we identified a few minor improvements that are necessary on the work environment, including thermal comfort, noise and human-machine interface.

Keywords: ergonomic task analysis; postural adjustment; sawmills; wood products; timber; Brazil; ergonomics; hydraulic carriage drive; HCD control; posture; temperature; thermal comfort; noise; human-machine interface; HMI.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAOM.2012.049917

International Journal of Advanced Operations Management, 2012 Vol.4 No.4, pp.283 - 296

Published online: 11 Aug 2014 *

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