دانلود رایگان مقاله انگلیسی نگرانی های بهداشت حرفه ای در واقعه نگاری: یک ارزیابی مقطعی در ویرجینیا - 2017 MDPI

Abstract:

Increased logging mechanization has helped improve logging safety and health, yet related safety risks and concerns are not well understood. A cross-sectional study was completed among Virginia loggers. Participants (n = 122) completed a self-administered questionnaire focusing on aspects of safety and health related to logging equipment. Respondents were at a high risk of workplace injuries, with reported career and 12-month injury prevalences of 51% and 14%, respectively. Further, nearly all (98%) respondents reported experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms. Over half (57.4%) of respondents reported symptoms related to diesel exhaust exposure in their career. Few (15.6%), however, perceived their jobs to be dangerous. Based on the opinions and suggestions of respondents, three priority areas were identified for interventions: struck-by/against hazards, situational awareness (SA) during logging operations, and visibility hazards. To address these hazards, and to have a broader and more substantial positive impact on safety and health, we discuss the need for proactive approaches such as incorporating proximity technologies in a logging machine or personal equipment, and enhancing logging machine design to enhance safety, ergonomics, and SA.

5. Conclusions

In this cross-sectional study, using a sample of Virginia loggers, work-related injuries and MSDs were found to be quite prevalent among loggers, though many of these workers perceived their jobs as being only moderately dangerous or less so. Based on the current results, three priority areas were identified for interventions: struck-by/against hazards, situational awareness during logging operations, and visibility hazards. Though on-site training/educational materials (e.g., hand signals, high visibility vest and other PPE use) may be useful to address these hazards, we suggest a current need for proactive approaches, such as incorporating proactive proximity technologies in a logging machine or personal equipment, and enhancing logging machine design for better safety, ergonomics, and SA. We believe that proactive approaches are essential to achieve a broader and more substantial positive impact on safety and health among both machine operators and ground workers. In addition, our results are supportive of future efforts to improve awareness of the risk of musculoskeletal and diesel exhaust exposures and understand such exposures among logging workers.