[Man and forestry work--a chronologic perspective].

Forest work has been an object of systematic research for two centuries. The research includes studies of work methods and techniques, ergonomic aspects, field conditions, productivity, health problems, work safety, remuneration, psychological and sociological aspects of forest labour. Research in forest work originated in Central Europe but has since spread to all parts of the world. Viewing man and forest work from the 19th to the 21st centuries we can conclude the following: Until the mid-19th century forest work was carried out by human and animal power, aided by the force of gravity, water and wind. For man, it was one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs. Forest work demanded a large number of workers. The mid-1800s saw the beginning of mechanization of hard load motion in wood transportation. The mechanization of forest work is constantly increasing. Versatile multi-functional machines are introduced into various segments of forest work. Today, there is a wide range of work methods and techniques in forestry. At the same time, side by side, one can see forest operations performed entirely by human power and others, mechanized and fully automated. With the development of new work methods and techniques, and new forest products, the need for man's physical labour gives way to an increasing demand for general knowledge and expertise. Powerful, multi-functional machines, supported by information technology and operated by highly qualified professionals have stretched the limits of the sources of work energy and information flow in performance and optimization of forest work.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)